This mycotrophic species is widely scattered from southeastern states to Mexico (with a distinct southwestern variant), but generally uncommon to rare (Hill 2007; NS). There is a remarkably fragmented series of clusters across its range (K), which may suggest associations with local disturbance regimes before settlement. Moreover: "Flowering in Hexalectris is known to be very erratic, and the controls on this are unknown. It is commonly known that flowers may or may not appear at a given site in successive years, only to emerge again at some later date" (Hill 2007). In Ky. it may be most frequent in thin subxeric oak woods and edges on moderately base-rich soils, including limestone gravel roadsides on sandy uplands. The ground is usually bare due to disturbance of competing vegetation, and trails or fires may enhance populations. Most records from Ky. have been made before 1950, including those assembled by Ettman & McAdoo (1978). Although there is a cluster of records from the southern Bluegrass and adjacent Knobs, the species is virtually unknown in this region today. Yet a remarkable population with 100+ plants appeared in woods of Cherokee Park (JEFF) during 2008, after invasive Lonicera maackii and Akebia quinata had been reduced at the site (P. Haragan, pers. comm.). This population had declined to ca. 50 by 2013. The species is usually found as just single plants.