This small shrub is widespread across northeastern regions, but the southern half of its range is highly fragmented (K). The species is largely restricted to open brushy or grassy areas on wet acid soils; it may be compatible with rough seasonal browsing, burning or mowing but not regular farming. Before settlement, local abundance was probably associated with disturbance from burning, browsing or beaver-damming. Although associated vegetation is generally regarded as secure in northern states (NatureServe CEGL 6571), imperiled types can be recognized further south (CEGL 5069). Populations in Ky. are declining due to woody succession, drainage and development. Unlike other species of the genus in Ky., tomentosa spreads with rhizomes and does not develop dense clumps of stems. In Ky. all plants match var. rosea (Raf.) Fern., a more western segregate with less dense inflorescences (Cr; FNA 9), but this has not been generally recognized in some recent treatments (W).