This may have originated in more tropical American regions, and probably spread into southeastern states after settlement (Cr, W). The earliest Ky. records are 1930s colls. of B (M). It is probably much more widespread than the map here indicates. Distinction from maculata and himustrata is based primarily on its shorter styles, spreading-villous fruits, and more sharply angled seeds; leaves tend to be smaller and more variable in shape, often purple at margins but lacking maculate spots; 2n = 18, 20 (Y, W).