This distinctive diploid, with an unusual chromosome number for the genus (2n = 24), is widely scattered across southeastern states but largely restricted to dry acid soil (FNA 26, W). It differs from other eastern species as follows: flowers produced in Jun-Sep, relatively small (ca. 5 mm long), gaping from near middle (versus beyond middle), the tubular portion < 3 mm long (versus > 3 mm); lip pure white (versus white to yellow or green); rachis glabrous (versus pubescent or glabrous); leaves generally withered at flowering.