This annual is widespread in most eastern states, except those adjacent to Canada. It is most common on disturbed rocky or eroded ground, in acid soils with low fertility. A coll. of C.W. Short dated Sep 1835 (at KY before fire) stated: "Throughout Barrens" (Anderson 1924). The coll. from MCRA (by R. Athey at EKY and MUR) is referable to var. curtisii Gray, which may be a transition to A. basiramea; see notes under that name.