This globally imperiled species of limestone clifftops has an unusual fragmented distribution pattern, occurring in the Ridge-and-Valley region from Pa. to N.C., plus the disjunct western margins of the Appalachian Plateaus in Ohio and Ky. Similar patterns occur in Phlox subulata var. australis and Solidago harrisii (Campbell et al. 1993). Such distributions are probably relictual from a previous climatic era when conditions were more suitable for dispersal and growth (Braun 1955). The isolated populations of Paxistima generally seemed stable until recent years, but the alien euonymus scale insect has now been observed infesting several patches. Declines are probably under way (T. Littlefield, pers. comm.), and the only hope for survival in some cases may be horticultural. The wild patches may be largely clonal, and fruiting has never been observed in Ky., but cross-pollination may be successful (producing small 1-2 seeded capsules) when clones are artificially grown together (W. Stoutamire, pers. comm.). Another significant factor in the ecology of this species may be mammalian herbivory' "rats are said to strip off the leaves in winter feeding" (SC). However, the rocky ridges where Paxistima occurs may have relatively little mammalian herbivory, due to difficult access for larger herbivores and due to suitability for dens of carnivores.