This occurs mostly on base-rich soils in east-central states, generally on drier sites than the closely related abortivus. R. micranthus differs as follows (W): leaves and stems villous , at least toward the base (versus glabrous or nearly so, the upper stem sometimes puberulent),; basal leaves mostly 1-2.5 cm wide (versus 1-6 cm), truncate to cuneate or rarely cordate at the base (versus reniform to cordate at base); roots sometimes in part fusiform-thickened (versus usually all filiform).