This is centered in the Ozark region, but extends east locally to Ind., Ky., Tenn., Ga. and Fla. Some colls. from Ky. may be introgressed with gigantea; those from CHRI (MUR) and CRIT (KY) are clearly intermediates. Both missurica and the closely related baldwinii can be distinguished from gigantea (FNA 19) by their denser pubescence, especially on lower leaf surfaces, with hairs relatively erect and curled hairs (versus "scabrellous", appressed, awl-shaped), and more conspicuously dotted with resin-glands (versus not or sparsely gland-dotted). Also, flowering heads of missurica tend to be larger (mostly 7-10 x 5-9 mm versus 4-5 x 4-5 mm), with more flowers (ca. 10-30 versus 30-55) and more phyllaries (50-70+ in 6-7 series versus 30-40+ in 4-5 series), the inner ones longer (mostly 6-7 mm versus 3.5-5 mm); seeds are also larger (FNA 19). However, baldwinii has pubescence similar to missurica and head size similar to gigantea, thus suggesting hybrid origin; further investigation is needed.