20c. ssp. rigida

Stems (40–)60–150 cm long, moderately to densely hairy throughout. All but the outermost series of involucral bracts glabrous on the outer surface (hairy along the margins), those of the outer series finely hairy, those of the inner series relatively broad and rounded to bluntly pointed at the tip. 2n=18, 36. August–October.

Scattered nearly throughout the state, but uncommon in the eastern portion of the Ozark Division and apparently absent from the Mississippi Lowlands (eastern U.S. west to Minnesota and Texas; Canada). Bottomland prairies, upland prairies, loess hill prairies, savannas, glades, openings of mesic to dry upland forests, and uncommonly banks of streams and rivers; also old fields, pastures, railroads, roadsides, and open, disturbed areas.