This occurs mostly in calcareous regions of east-central states; the Appalachian-Ozark disjunction mapped in FNA 26 may just reflect lack of data recorded from Ky. and Tenn. S. pulverulenta appears most similar to lasioneura, but it is distinct from that species and from herbacea in the relatively dark shiny green color of lower leaf surfaces (which are pubescent like lasioneura); its relatively long petioles, more or less equalling blades (versus shorter), a third to as long as peduncles (versus 1/10 to 1/3); and its berries black (versus blue, glaucous). Some colls. of pulverulenta from Ky. have relatively glabrous leaves, and may be transitional to herbacea. Species status may be supported by its tendency to flower 2-3 weeks earlier, usually in late Apr-May versus May-Jun (F, FNA 26; D. Boone, pers. comm.).