Benefits from controlled burns. There are contradictions in herbarium databases, and reliable observations in counties where there are no herbarium specimens. Probably native in low abundance in dry (xeric) native grasslands and open pinelands throughout the state. Makes a colorful contribution to a native plant meadow. Becomes darker (more purple) after pollination. When flowering, the stem needs support from surrounding plants. It is primarily a fall bloomer.

The distribution mimics the distribution of steepheads, a stream/valley system that originates in a very steep-headed ravine where the water seeps out of the ground to form a stream, and the headwall gradually moves uphill due to the water exiting the ground undermining it. Screen or specimen plant in shady wet settings.

Moist wildflower garden.

They are included here because they are valuable to insects and because they are lovely and good to have in a native garden if you are lucky enough to have them naturally.   Data on culture has been assumed from where this grows in nature -- it is not typically grown and no reliable data appears to be available. Can parasatize southern pines leading, in heavy infestations, to loss of vigor. Retain in semi-natural gardens.

Specimen shrub.  Thorniness makes it a good property edge hedge.