In Ky. and Tenn. almost all records of this southeastern species are from calcareous sites, but to the south and west it also occurs on non-calcareous sites (Y, W). Leaves vary much in shape and coloration. Colls. from FLEM (KY-Agr.), LEWI (B), ROBE (B) and perhaps HARD (KY) are referable to var. tigrina Engelm. (as named within Agave), with purple-maculate leaves. That segregate was considered a distinct species by Sm, but it is not recognized at all in recent treatments.