This southeastern species occurs mostly on dry sandy soils of the Coastal Plain, perhaps most vigorous after fire (F, FNA 23). In Ky. it appears ot be rare, but there has been some confusion with echinatus (see also Y) and lancastriensis; colls. of those species should be rechecked. Most plants are probably referable to var. cylindricus (Ell.) Fern. & Grisc., but that taxon is not recognized in recent treatments; but Braun's BELL (US) colls. were referred to var. retrorsus by R. Carter.