This is a widely reported southeastern species, as treated by F and other, but its presence in Ky. and Tenn. (Ch) has been controversial. It is close to pubescens, and some colls. may be somewhat intermediate. Although Wessel & Thieret (2000) doubted the identification of this species in the state, there are colls. from MADI (G.W. Libby OB-725, EKY), JEFF (P. Haragan, Olmstead Parks herbarium). OLDH (H. Peterson, DHL), and ROWA (A. Risk, MDKY) that do fall within its traditional circumscription.