Mapping here is tentative. This southern Appalachian taxon, in its strict sense, is known only from Tenn., Va., N.C. and Ga. (Epling 1942; F, Cr, W). It has also been reported from Ky. (M), but there has been confusion here with the closely related saxatilis, which generally occurs on more mesic sites. Based on traditional treratments, these two taxa may intergrade, with arguta differing only as follows (Cr, F, Sm): stems and petioles more pilose, often glandular (versus eglandular); leaves acutish, with sharper teeth. In contrast, recent revison of B. Sorrie et al. (W) has indicated that arguta should be included as a variant within S. ovata ssp. rugosa (Wood) Epling. However, there is evidence that some plants traditionally referred to arguta form a species distinct from both saxatilis and ovata ssp. rugosa; more research is needed. Ssp. rugosa is not documented from Ky. but might be expected in the Cumberland Mts. Compared to typical ovata (F, Cr, W), its relatively small corollas have a blue lip with two white lines (versus white with a few blue spots); its leaves are smaller, rugose, usually densely hairy (versus sparse), and often purplish; plants are somewhat sprawling and relatively short, with less clear differentiation of racemes (thus resembling saxatilis).