Mapping is provisional since further revision is needed. This segregate has not been recognized in some recent treatments; although centered in midwestern regions, there is much overlap in range with typical carolina. Var. villosa has traditionally been recognized from its relatively hairy leaves (F). The name has also been sometimes applied (but perhaps just in error) to plants of ssp. subserrulata (Rydberg) W.H. Lewis, which is best distinguished by its relatively robust stems, often stouter infrastipular thorns, denser internodal prickles, and less glandular inflorescence (Lewis 2008; FNA 9, W). Ssp. subserrulata occurs mostly in the Great Plains but may be locally common in Tenn. (Ch). It has not been documented from Ky. but needs further assessment across eastern states; see also Ladd & Thomas (2015).