This occurs in east-central states, usually in thin woods and edges on medium acid soils; it can increase greatly after fire (M. Homoya, pers. comm.). In Ky. distinction from var. punctata needs to be checked in some cases. Also, colls. from CLAR and MERC (KY) appear to be hybridized with ovata. A coll. from BULL (DHL) has unusually small leaves, with short petioles, suggesting hybridization with parvula or a related species.