This is a widespread eastern species of seasonally dry grasslands on soils with moderate fertility. In Ky. there appear to be occasional hybrids with procumbens, intermedia and probably other species; see notes under stuevei. There is much variation in pubescence and leaf shape, perhaps reflecting past hybridization. Isely (1990) stated: "... hybridizes with nearly all other native Lespedeza, producing a periphery of forms whose precise classification is occult." The species remain generally distinct, however, due to its narrow leaves, with L/W = 4-7; in Ky., only angustifolia has similar narrowness (see below).