This cespitose perennial has a somewhat fragmented range (Smith 1976; K), concentrated in the Ozark region (to s. Ill.) and around the southern Appalachians (to W.Va.), but also extending into the Gulf Coastal Plain. Within Ky. there are disjunct western and eastern records, but in Tenn. the range is more continuous (Ch). The species has become widely promoted as a wildflower for plantings (incljuding some densely pubescent plants); as a result, more adventive, escaped or persistent plants may be expected. Variation within the species (2n = 26, 28) is significant but may have been misinterpreted in Ky. (M, W). Some glabrate plants from WHIT (GH, MO) have been referred to var. robusta Gray ex Eames, but that southern Appalachian segregate (from Va. to Ala.) is described as completely glabrous and with relatively narrow leaves (ca. 0.6-2 cm wide versus 1.5-2 cm). However, deeper investigation is needed. See also notes under lanceolata.