It is native to fields and woods in the southeastern and central United States.

It also uniquely possesses a perennial, branched caudex at its base.

Its leaf morphology can be highly variable, ranging from the highly lobed panduriform shape typical of Strophostyles helvola, to the thin, sericeous, lanceolate leaf typical of S.

[8] Strophostyles umbellata individuals tend to be scattered from one another, which, possibly combined with self-incompatibility, can contribute to their observed low pod set.

Like S. helvola, its seeds also possess a cellular, waxy coating, which may aid in buoyancy and water dispersal.