This occurs mostly in the Great Plains, but has disjunct plants in northeastern states, as far as D.C. to N.H., associated with rocky riverbanks and rocky glades (Bartgis et al. 1997; W). In Ky. it is known from small patches on both sides of the Rockcastle Rv. in LAUR (MM for WKY) and PULA (KY); it has also been collected on banks of the Little South Fork of Cumberland Rv. in WAYN (KY). There is an unverified record of KSNPC from LYON. Presence in Tenn. remains uncertain (Ch; D. Estes, pers. comm.).