This is widely distributed over northeastern states, mostly growing on streambanks with relatively acid inertile soils. Though currently unknown in the Bluegrass, old records from this region (FAYE, FRAN) are confirmed; see also Argus (1986) and CW. However, the coll. recorded by Argus from MCLE (DHL) has not been relocated. In some early literature from Ky., the name S. petiolaris Sm. (a closely related northern species) was apparently used for sericea, but there was probably also confusion with eriocephala and even caroliniana.