This occurs from south-central states to Central America in dry, rocky open habitats on limestone or dolomite. Distinction from other species needs careful observation (Cranfill 1980, W): large areoles of the of the sterile blade are subdivided into smaller areoles, further subdivided into smaller areoles and free veinlets (versus not further subdivided and lacking free veinlets); and sterile blade apiculate (versus obtuse or acutre).