This occurs mostly in or near central and southern Appalachian regions, but there are somewhat disjunct population west to the Ozarks (FNA 3; PL). Although typical of fairly deep shade in mesic woods, it is a somewhat toxic, browsing-resistant species that can also occur in maturing old field woods or other transitions to farmland. Gm noted: "in mountainous sections this plant is often seen in partially cleared land used for pasture."