This diploid (2n = 28) ranges widely over eastern states, mostly west of the Appalachians and concentrated in the midwest. It is generally restricted to remnants of native grassland on dry base-rich soils, but it appears locally adventive. In Ky. it occurs mostly in three regions: (1) in or near the former Big Barrens on the western karst plains; (2) in rocky glades of the Knobs region; and (3) more locally, on rocky hillsides of the Bluegrass region.