Although widespread and locally abundant across much of the southeastern states, this diploid (2n = 5) has a curiously interrupted range. In Ky. it is viirtualy absent from the Bluegrass and the Appalachian Plateaus. However, it occurs locally on lowlands amongst the eastern Knobs, where there may be a history of relatively open grassy woodland. Typical habitat does not appear unusual: moderately hilly regions on average soils in slightly open woods. K. dandelion is the only native species in Cichoreae with potential for extensive clonal spread. It has rhizomes that produce globose tubers (FNA 19), which may be subject to consumption by some vertebrates.