In Ky. this largely Appalachian species extends into the eastern Knobs region. There is a verified 1835 coll. of C.W. Short (GH) from "barrens of Ky.", which suggests a more disjunct occurrence; see also notes under albus. The closely related N. roanensis Chickering has been reported from Ky. in error (M). Both species may perenniate through lateral "storage roots" or tubers (FNA 19).