Mapping here as a native plant is somewhat tentative. This reportedly tetraploid taxon (2n = 36) is native mostly to Atlantic (Me. to S.C.) and Appalachian regions (N.Y. to Ala.), but it has been widely planted across eastern North America. It appears closely allied to the more southern dentatum complex (especially indianese), with some apparent transitions, but species status may be warranted (F, Y, W; B.A. Sorrie, pers. comm.). Flowering of recognitum usually occurs about two weeks later than deamii (mid-May to early Jun in Ky.). Its inflorescence branches are usually eglandular and glabrous (versus usually stipitate-glandular and consistently hairy). Seeds are less deeply grooved; F stated "shallow and broad trough-like furrows" (versus "narrow, deep and furrow-like"). Leaves are largely glabrous (versus often hairy), usually ovate (versus ovate to rotund) and often plicate (versus generally flat). V. recognitum usually occurs in wetlands or on damp sites near banks of larger streams.