This is widely scattered across eastern North America, especially in coastal regions and in mid-western wetlands, but uncommon to absent in most hilly regions (K). It is similar to the alien spicatum, and without inflorescences these species may be difficult to distinguish (Cr, W). Leaves of heterophyllum are pinnatisect into capillary segments (versus stiffer, thicker, arcuate segments), and they tend to be more reddish. Internodes tend to be shorter (ca. 1-1.5 cm versus 1-3 cm), and they dry pale brown to reddish (versus whitish to pale tan). The species can also be confused with Proserpinaca pectinata.