This taxon is known mostly from base-rich cliffs in southern Appalachian regions of Tenn., N.Car., Ky. and Va.; it may also occur in s. Ill. (W). However, these plants may not be clearly distinct from typical triloba (Cr, M, W, FNA 21). It is distinguished only by its cauline leaves: 1-7-lobed, with at least some on a plant 5-7-lobed (versus 1-3-lobed, with at least some 3-lobed). In Ky. there are only a few tentative records, based on colls. from EDMO (E.L. Braun #3620 at US), MCRE (JC 14 May 1989 at KY) and MERC (M. Wharton #9255 at KY). The earlier name, var. pinnatiloba Torr. & Gray, refers to plants from Ala., Fla., La. and Tex. that are similar to beadlei but deserve further distinction, based on their smaller phyllaries: ca. 5-7 mm versus 9-11 mm (W).