This largely southern Appalachian species (probably tetraploid) is distinct but close to typical fulgida (at least partly diploid); see Campbell & Seymour (2013) for treatment. Its leaves are distinctly broader, with truncate-subcordate bases at least low on stems, and have more prominent teeth (projecting 1-2 mm versus 0-1 mm); rays tend to be larger, but not as a clearcut character. R. umbrosa is largely restricted to mesic shady sites, often growing on mixes of sandy and limey material. It has also been confused with sullivantii, palustris or speciosa in some treatments. Sm and F accepted umbrosa as a species, but Cr treated it as a variety, with notes such as "growing near var. fulgida but without apparent intergradation" (Cronquist #4040 at NY. from Highland Co., Ohio). Extensive examination of colls. from Ky. and elsewhere has revealed virtually no intermediate plants between umbrosa and typical fulgida. Some colls. from more open banks of the Cumberland Rv. and its Big South Fk. tend to have relatively narrow leaves, suggesting transitions to fulgida, but they may just be less robust plants of umbrosa that lack basal leaves in the colls. A few disjunct colls. in western regions have suggested umbrosa, but may be closer to palustris; see notes under that name.