This tall perennial (2n = 34) is widely distributed across eastern and central states but centered in the midwest and uncommon to absent on the Coastal Plain. In Ky. Veronicastrum is generally found in regions with a history of native grassland or large animal trails before settlement, though it is probably most frequent in thin woods or brushy transitions rather than full sun. The species may be avoided by browsing deer (Anderson et al. 2001). Although generally absent from the Bluegrass region, occasional suppressed plants have been found along trails in dry woods above ravines near the Kentucky River. Several plants were found adjacent to the recently discovered site for Trifolium kentuckiense in FRAN (T. Littlefield, pers. comm.). The genus Veronicastrum, which occurs also in East Asia, has had diverse medicinal applications, which have been attributed to various iridoids, flavonoids and terpenoids (Mutinda et al. 2023). The identity of "Dr. Culver" remains mysterious.