This species of southern Appalachian mountains was described by Lamont (1990) as a segregate of purpureum. However, its degree of distinction remains unclear in Ky. Colls. from BELL and PIKE (DHL) appear somewhat intermediate. E. steelei differs (W) in its persistently and uniformly glandular-pubescent stems (versus only in the inflorescence) and lower leaf surfaces (versus with few sessile resin-dots). Also, stems are uniformly green-purple to purple (versus mostly greenish with purple concentrated at nodes). Its leaves tend to have broader shape (l/w ca. 2-2.5 versus 2.5-4).