This uncommon plant occurs from the Appalachians north to Ind., Pa. and Del., usually on mesic slopes and terraces. Short (1837) found it on a "marshy flat at the Olympian Springs" (BATH, check PH). More hairy plants in Ky., with some glands, have been referred to S. saxatilis var. pilosior Benth. or to S. arguta, but probably in error; see notes under arguta. In contrast to the ovata group (Cr, W), saxatilis is a somewhat decumbent plant, often spreading over logs or talus; stems usually have at least sparse curved-ascending mostly eglandular hairs (versus spreading or retrose, often glandular); leaves are truncate (versus cordate); flowers are partly axillary (versus strictly terminal) and sometimes secund.