This unusual succulent of mesic to subxeric woods occurs mostly in east-central states, and is completely absent on the southeastern Coastal Plain (K). It has varied chromosome numbers according to Baldwin (1942; see also Cr): 2n = 16 to 48. However, FNA 8 reported just 2n = 32,and no segregates have been recognized, although Baldwin reported diploids (2n = 16) only from the central Appalachian regions of Ky., Va. and W.Va., and tetraploids (2n = 32) from across most of the whole range. He reported the hexaploid (2n = 48) only from Ala. (near Tuscaloosa). Some widely distributed horticultural forms of ternatum appear to be unusually robust (J. Harrod, pers. comm.) and should be investigated further for potential polyploidy