This alien biennial has been widespread in pastures across northeastern states since Gray's (1864) time or earlier. Although widespread in Ky., it is usually just infrequent to rare. Gm noted: "In meadows. Eaten and said to be relished by horses. Not common except locally." Several other showy species of Dianthus or the related Petrorhagia may occasionally escape from cultivation but do not appear truly naturalized.