The species description given in 1958 by Walter Lewis places the white form, f. alba (Bridwell) Rehder, in synonymy with the species in chief, which is now described as white to pink. Native to Oklahoma (where it is common), Arkansas and Texas. The color of the blooms ranges from white (especially in Texas, where it is known as White Prairie Rose) to pale blush to rose-pink (especially in Okalhoma). See References for the long history of the dominant color being described as pink based on a comment added to Nuttal's original description by Torrey and Gray.