This is widespread across eastern North America, but concentrated in northeastern states and Appalachian regions, and largely absent on the southeastern Coastal Plain (K). See notes on identification under hispida. In Ky., the species has a fragmented distribution, being concentrated in the Cumberland Mts., Appalachian Cliff Section and Knobs. It is largely absent further west; there are outlyiing colls. from EDMO (US) and CALL (M. Medley #14839 from Ky. 444 near Hamlin and Blood River Church).