This is scattered across east-central states, but most frequent in s. Mo., Ill., Ind., Ohio, s. Mich. and w. Penn. (PL). In Ky. there is a pronounced cluster of records along the Kentucky River Palisades, but it is found occasionally on steep base-rich wooded slopes near other rivers across the state. E. obovatus is a curious prostrate, spreading or trailing subshrub that ascends to only about 1 (rarely 3) dm above the ground, including flowers and fruits (F, Cr, Y). Yet it appears closely related to americanus, with little consistent clearcut difference other than its low habit and leaf shape (usually obovate versus elliptic).