This variable (2n = 32, 48, 64), widespread, midwestern and species may have been often overlooked in Ky. It can be confused with lanceolatum (perhaps its closest relative), lateriflorum and other species; also, hybrids may be expected (FNA 20). Most records from Ky. need to be checked, at least for variety. The colls. from GRAY (D. Pittillo #2598 at KY), LEWI (R. Gelis M1-1169 at BEREA) and MADI (R. Jones #4157 at EKY) appear to be var. praealtum. More obscure reports indicating typical praealtum (M) come from Linney (1882; as A. carneus Nees), Pr (as A. salicifolius Ait.), and Wiegand (1933; citing a coll. of Short at GH that cannot be located). The colls. from CALL and MCRA (in catalog of R. Athey, check MEM and MUR) have been referred to var. subasperum (Lindl. in Hook.) Nesom, which is probably a distinct southwestern segregate (W). This praealtum complex differs from the rest of section Dumosi in Ky. as follows (W): leaf veinlets conspicuously reticulate, forming isodiametric areoles visible on the lower surface (indistinct or forming irregular, elongate areoles), leaves waxy on upper surface at least when young (versus not so), the margins usually revolute and entire or weakly toothed (versus plane or revolute); bracts on well-developed peduncles 5-12, foliaceous, crowded, closely subtending and often partially obscuring involucres (if 5 or more, gradually reduced and grading into phyllaries); ray flowers lavender or purple (versus usually white).