Species status for this southeastern segregate of alatum has been revived in some recent treatments (W). Typical alatum occurs from the northern Great Plains to northeastern states.There is little overlap of ranges, except perhaps in Ky. and Tenn., and lanceolatum becomes rare towards the north within these two states (Graham 1975; PL). L. lanceolatum differs as follows (W): its bracteoles are mostly on the upper pedicel, immediately below the floral tube (versus mostly at the base). Its leaves are lanceolate to linear-lanceolate (versus ovate to lanceolate), widest at a point 1/3 to 2/3 of the way from the base to the apex (versus 1/6 to 1/2), the base cuneate, often narrowly so (versus rounded to subcordate). Also, plants are relatively stout, up to 13 dm tall (versus 8 dm).