[1] This plant occurs in Canada from Alberta to Manitoba, in most of the central United States and part of Mexico.

Its nectar is favored by lepidopterans, such as the rare butterfly Pawnee montane skipper (Hesperia leonardus montana), which is known to occur wherever the plant does.

[1] This species is listed in the U.S. Forest Service Fire Effects Information System (FEIS) as being good for revegetating prairie habitats and reclaiming mining spoil.

[1] Dotted gayfeather is highly recommended by wildflower writers such as Claude A. Barr as ornamental plant for its clear spires of purple blooms even in dry years due to its substantial water storing taproot.

In climates with more moisture than its native range, it needs lime or potash additions to soil to maintain stiff, upright stems.