It occurs in deep, sandy soil such as sand hills and sandy ridgetops, sometimes in open pine-oak woodlands, at elevations of 50–200 m (160–660 ft).

[4] Pyxidanthera brevifolia is closely related to the more widespread P. barbulata, and some authors have suggested considering the two as a single species.

For the moment, though, Flora of North America[4] and the Kew Gardens Plant List [5] both accept P. brevifolia as a distinct species.

Leaves of P. brevifolia are shorter than those of P. barbulata, rarely more than 4 millimetres (0.16 in) long.

They also lack the marginal cilia characteristic of P. barbulata, and are more intensely woolly on the underside.