This small shrub is widespread across east-central states, but only locally abundant. It may be most common in transitions between native grassland remnanrts (or associated old fields) and successional woodland; it is easily reduced with fire. The species is becoming a popular ornamental, and it can spread by seed in gardens (e.g. at the Univ. of Ky. Arboretum in FAYE). See notes under lobocarpum (and allies), which may be confused in some western or southern records. According to N. Robson (FNA 6), 2n = 18 in both species and hybrids appear possible. However, Matzk et al. (2003) have reported 2n = 36 for the allied H. densiflorum Pursh and 2n = 40 for H. X arnoldianum Rehder, which may be a hybrid of densiflorum and lobocarpum.