This is widespread in open wetlands across mid- and cool-temperate regions of eastern and central North America, usually on somewhat base-rich soils. In Ky. some colls. from HICK, ROWA and probably elsewhere may be referable to var. pulchra (Ehrh. ex Willd.) Pers., which was treated as a subspecies by Woods. However, more work is needed to determine if that northeastern taxon of more boggy soils can be consistently distinguished within the state. It is more hairy; leaves are broader; and plants are less branched (W).