This is widespread across southeastern states, usually in thin woods and grassy transitions on dry acid soils. Apparent hybrids with taxa in the paniculatum group have been reported from several east-central states (F, K, Y, W), including adjacent Ind. (Crawford & Perry Cos.), and they are expected in Ky. They are sometimes associated with fires or other disturbances. The name D. X humifusum (Muhl. ex Bigelow) Beck. has been applied to several distinct collections of these plants from Mid-Atlantic states, and some authors suggest species status, perhaps with global rarity (Dolan 2004, W). D. X humifusum has been distinguished from rotundifolium (and ochroleucum) by W as follows: stipules deltate or lanceolate to linear, usually quickly deciduous, not clasping at base,,2-8 mm long (versus ovate, persistent, more or less clasping at base, 6-12 mm long). Other characters may be used across the reported range (Dolan 2004), but it is not clear if more western plants should be grouped with humifusum sensu stricto in Mid-Atlantic states (W).