This is widespread in northeastern regions, but concentrated on relatively dry acid soils, especially on disturbed ground as along trails (e.g. Hall & Kuss 1989). Although canadensis is a distinct species, it has often been confused with simplex. There are differences in rhizomes, stolons, stems, leaves and branching patterns (F); leaves alone (Cr) should not be relied on. Virtually all plants in Ky. are referable to var. villosissima Fern., which has a largely Appalachian (and perhaps Ozarkian) range. A coll. from the campus of Belknap University in JEFF (DHL) may be adventive; it appears to be the more northern var. canadensis.