Because of their similarities, these six species are sometimes considered a single super species. Fruit a two-valved capsule. Clones resemble small groves of many individual stems. Primarily NE United States, SE Canada, and the Great Lakes Region. Most commonly floodplains, gently rolling terrain, and the lower slopes of uplands.
Large stands grow on sands, loamy sands, and light sandy loams.
However, for good growth on upland sites the watertable must be at least 2', but not more than 5', below the surface. Soil must be moist but well aerated for good growth. Pioneer species on disturbed sites, persisting in successional communities until senescence. In the absence of disturbance, replaced by conifers and hardwoods. In the Great Lakes Region at the turn of the century, many mature pine forests were logged and burned.