In Ky. this southeastern shrub is restricted to swampy woods in western regions. A few more densely pubescent colls. from CALL (KY) and OHIO (GH, MO) have been referred to var. pulverulentus (Michx.) Perkins. However, that taxon is typical of more southern piney flatwoods, and Ky. plants are probably no more than transitional (W).