Mapping is somewhat tentative since one or more segregates may exist. P. pilosa is an early-flowering (mostly mid-Apr to mid- May) species of native grasslands and open woodlands. It is widespread across east-central states, but it often occurs in highly fragmented populations. It may be relatively sensitive to spring burning, browsing, mowing or herbiciding, compared to more late flowering wild-flowers. In Ky. it is mostly known from remnants of "barrens" and rocky glades in three disjunct regions: (1) western margins of Appalachian Plateaus and adjacent Knobs; (2) northern Karst Plain and western Knobs; (3) Coastal Plain and transitions to the Pennyrhile karst plain (mapped here with open dots). Further work is needed on potential taxonomic differences between these three regions and variation within each. Most plants in Ky. have long hairs with frequent glands, at least in the inflorescence; these are referable to var. pilosa of east-central states (including var. virens). Records of the more northwestern var. fulgida Wherry (typically eglandular) and the more southwestern var. ozarkana Wherry (typically more robust, with broader leaves) appear to be generally erroneous (M), but see further notes under ozarkana.