This native annual is widely scattered in open disturbed areas on medium acid soils across southeastern states, but with records concentrated in the Carolinas, s. Ill. and Mo. (FNA 24, K). It is often overlooked or confused with annua, but may be uncommon to rare in much of its range (NS). Most Ky. records come from in or near former "barrens" of western regions, and from dry sandy terraces of the Ohio Rv. or its tributaries.