This small tree occurs mostly in the southern Appalachians and Piedmont, and is especially frequent on the southern Cumberland Plateau (K, W). Reports from POWE and ROWA have not been verified and remain dubious (Gm; Little 1977; Campbell et al. 1989). Plants in Ky. often have purple stamen filaments, and propagules have been sought for horticultural use. Such plants have been named var. grandiflora (Bean) Weatherby, but most authors have not adopted this division (FNA 8).