Heterotheca subaxillaris subsp. latifolia is native to the inland areas of the range of the species from Arizona to North Carolina south into northern Mexico.  The range extends northeast North Carolina.  Human activities is likely altering the ranges of the the two subspecies and increasing contact between the two subspecies.

The phyllaries have very few or no large hairs near the tip (Semple 2004). Heterotheca psammophila (southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico) and H. chrysopsides (perennial forms in Mexico) are a synonyms.