It is native to the eastern United States where it is found in sandy soils along the coastal plain, though when E. compacta is also present, it exists farther inland in the southern Appalachian Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau.

Eurybia surculosa in native to the eastern United States where is occurs both along the coastal plain, especially in the north of its range, as well as in the southern Appalachians.

It tends not to coexist with E. compacta, and where this plant occurs, E. surculosa is usually confined to inland areas and the mountains.

There are isolated populations in Massachusetts and Connecticut in the north, and then a continuous range from Delaware and Maryland south through Virginia and the Carolinas to Georgia.

Its habitats include open areas, pinelands, oak scrub, clearings, bogs, as well as along roadsides.