This humming bird-pollinated species is native to damp rich lowlands and seeps in cooler regions east and northeast of Ky., especially at higher elevation (W). However, it has been widely cultivated. Most or all plants in Ky. may be persistent or escaped from plantings, but it is possible that colls. from ELLI (APSC) and KENT (US) represent native plants, from "streambanks woods... I mile N of Sandy Hook" (ELLI) and from "alluvial soil, creek bottoms, north of Piner" (KENT). Ky. plants generally appear to be the broad-leaved form that probably originates from northeastern regions (Scora 1967).