This is a widespread western perennial ("spreading by roots") that occurs rarely as a waif into eastern state, but it is virtually unknown in southeastern states (F, Cr, W), FNA described plants as follows: "from a deep, thick taproot, often with branching underground stems, or branching only at surface, these often becoming horizontal or nearly so and giving rise to new plants." The only record from Ky. is a coll. made in CALL by R. Athey (EKY): #2623, 29 Sep 1973, dry upland openings in Croppie Hollow Subdivision off Ky. 614. This locality is well known for other rare plants, and the uplands probably have a history of open grassy woodland before settlement. Native status is possible for the plant here.