This is broadly distributed in base-rich regions across southeastern states, but extends north only as far as a line from e. Va. through Ky. to e. Kans. (FNA 21, PL). The rather abrupt northern edge of this species range in Ky. is curious, given no clear relationship to topography or soils. Could a particular tenderness to cold be related to the peculiar watery extrusion from frosted stem remnants in early winter? Although these "frost-flowers" have been described in some detail (e.g. Connor 2012), no complete explanation has been published. In Ky., the only plant known to behave like this is V. virginica, although such frosty extrusion has been reported elsewhere in Pluchea, Cunila, Crocanthemum [Helianthemum] and perhaps other species (Torrey 1931, MacRae 2010). Flowering is relatively late, mostly in Sep to Oct.