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.

This is a rare species and it should only be acquired from reputable plant nurseries. Some botanists have declared this endemic species to be a synonym for false rosemary (C. canescens), but since the populations are widely separated, we are treating them separately. Can be used as a medium-level groundcover or border plant.