Leaves relatively less firm, basal tapering, glabrous. Cypselae strigillose (at least distally). Flowering Sep-Oct. Open woods, woodland borders, piney woods, open slopes, roadsides and embankments; 0-1300+ m; Ark., Fla., Ga., Ky., La., Miss., Mo., N.C., S.C., Tenn., Va., W.Va. Variety caroliniana is found predominantly in the southern Appalachians to the Atlantic Coast and south into peninsular Florida.