This subshrub is common where it is found in North Carolina, in the southern third of the Coastal Plain. True to its name, October-flower flowers in October.

Two varieties exist in NC. The typical variety polygama differs from the rare var. croomii in having wider leaf blades, 3-6 mm in polygama vs. 0.5-1 mm in var. croomii. The leaves of var. polygama are spathulate (spoon-shaped) while those of var. croomii are oblanceolate (lance-shaped, wider towards the tip).

Bladen Co., NC 10/19/2008.

Bladen Co., NC 10/19/2008.

Bladen Co., NC 10/19/2008.

Bladen Co., NC 10/19/2008.

Bladen Co., NC 10/19/2008.

Bladen Co., NC 10/19/2008.