It has a disjunct distribution, occurring in Nova Scotia,[5] Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Virginia,[6] North Carolina, and South Carolina.

[7] Sabatia kennedyana grows in wetlands, particularly lakes and ponds on the Atlantic coastal plain.

[8] It grows in areas with fluctuating water levels and other forms of natural disturbance, such as ice scour, which eliminate competing vegetation.

[11][6] Sabatia kennedyana is a perennial herb with stolons tipped with basal rosettes of leaves.

[3] Sabatia kennedyana is threatened by shoreline development, recreational activity, off-road vehicles, construction of hydroelectric dams,[7] pollution, and poaching.