This widespread eastern diploid (2n = 16) is readily identified from the dark glandular dots and streaks on upper surfaces of petals; in most other species of the genus, such glands are confined to petal margins or absent. H. punctatum varies much in flower size and leaf shape, from subclasping or sessile, to oblanceolate and tapering with a distinct petiole. The more petiolate form has been named H. subpetiolatum Bickn., but it has not been segregated in recent treatments. H. pseudomaculatum Bush is a large-flowered relative of punctatum that has been reported from e. Ky. by B and others, but apparently in error (M, Y, W). B's colls. were from relatively high elevation in BELL and HARL, and there are similar colls. from GRNP and ROWA (KNK). H. pseudomaculatum has rarely been documented in southeastern states (K), and it may be concentrated in Ozarkian regions (D. Estes, pers. comm.). In addition to its larger floral dimensions (W), leaves are usually more acute (versus obtuse to retuse) and wider much below the middle (versus at or slightly below the middle). H. graveolens Buckl. is an even larger flowered taxon that is largely restricted to higher elevations in the southern Appalachians (W).