This is widespread across eastern states, but most common in the central Appalachians, and rare to absent on the Coastal Plain (Argus 1986, PL, W). It is generally distinct from typical humilis, but some colls. are difficult to determine and variety status has been preferred by some authors. Compared to typical humilis, leaves lack stipules (versus present); blades are generally smaller (ca. 2.5-5 x 0.5-1 cm versus 5-13 x 1.2-3.5 cm); staminate aments are smaller (0.5-1.1 cm long versus 1-2 cm); and pistillate aments are smaller (1-2 cm long versus 2-3.5 cm). In Ky. it is less extensive and less weedy, being largely restricted to remnants of presettlement openings on more infertile acid soils.