This annual, biennial or short-lived monocarpic perennial (Simons & Johnston 2000) is widespread across eastern North America, except on the southeastern Coastal Plain (K). In Ky. it is especially frequent along trails and rough roads through thin woods. The potent chemistry of this species probably prevents consumption by mammalian herbivores. L. inflata has particularly high concentrations of lobeline and other alkaloids, which has led to varied medicinal uses (Felpin & Lebreton 2004). Just one small leaf placed under the tongue on a warm weary summer's afternoon will provide significant encouragement to botanical exploration, although slightly irritating to the throat.