This spring ephemeral occurs mostly in the mid-western regions, Interior Low Plateaus, and southern Great Lakes region. It is largely restricted to mesic woods or adjacent areas on base-rich soils. Although this species is most typical of relatively deep shady woods, it can survive for decades in somewhat open areas that are mowed to prevent excessive competition from grasses. Scattered patches in the Lexington area (FAYE) attest to the original occurrence of mesic woods here before clearance of the landscape. This persistence is probably allowed by its extensive rhizome system, which is quite unlilke the strictly tuberous Thalictrum thalictroides: "running rue anemone" is a better common name than "false rue anemone."