This robust rhizomatous decaploid (2n = 80) occurs from southern states to South America. Nesom & Kartesz (2000) have argued for its inclusion as a subspecies within L. grandiflora (Michx.) Greuter & Burdet, typical plants of which are hexaploid (2n = 48) and alien to North America. But until definitive evidence of intergradation is present for plants in east-central states, it seems reasonable to emphasize the distinction and native status of hexapetala. The only Ky. records for hexapetala are Short's (1840) report from HEND in 1838 (check PH), and some 1980s colls. from further west (Grubbs 1989, Chester 1992); further verification is desirable in some of these cases. Short noted: "in a marsh... ten miles south of the Ohio River. It was rare; but its existence there proved its adaptation to the climate; and if the views lately promulgated as to its health-preserving influences be sustained, it would doubtless be desirable to propagate it extensively in malarious and miasmatic districts." Both hexapetala and peploides (as alien weeds in Europe) have been shown to have significant allelopathic and antibacterial chemistry (Dandelot et al. 2008, Smida et al. 2015). In addition to diverse phenolics, terpenoids, tannins and saponins, these plants are reputed to accumulate N and may produce alkaloids.