Endemic to the southern Appalachians. Although widely occurring in several Appalachian states, the majority of the occurrences are of poor quality and have low viability. Sexual reproduction is rare indicating that genetic variability within and probably between occurrences is low. Little population expansion has been reported, although several occurrences are considered protected (mostly federal and state parks). Restricted to specific riparian habitats and nowhere abundant. Most of the extant populations consist of only a few clumps. Range-wide, fewer than 30 different genotypes are thought to exist. Few mature seeds and no seedlings have been observed. Threatened by alterations in flooding regimes, and clearing or disturbance of streambank vegetation.

Overtopping by arboreal species or fast growing herbs or vines may eventually eliminate the species. Competition seems to be the most important variable related to the persistence of S. virginiana and partially explains its occurrence in specific riverin

S. virginiana is known from 24 populations from 23 streams in six states (USFWS 1990).

Gradually, researchers came to a consensus on how to resolve the large phenotypic variability seen in S. virginiana. Glencoe (1961) was the first one to articulate it. He also included a wider range of localities adding Dade Co. (GA) and Van Buren Co. (TN). As for the locations excluded by Clarkson, he never stated his opinion on those. Recently (1986-1991), Douglas Ogle from Highlands Community College, Abingdon, VA has contributed to the study of the species. He examined all of the known sites, took samples and photographs, and shared the obtained population information with the Natural Heritage program within each state. He also forwarded the representative material from each live population to the Arnold Arboretum for propagation/conservation under the auspices of Plant Conservation. Through the study of live and herbarium material, he managed to discriminate between S. virginiana and S. betulifolia var. corymbosa and summarized his observation in the comparison table (see notes below). A. Rehder (1920) described S. virginiana var. serrulata, but in 1949 he reduced the rank to form.

There is no formal management plan.

In its Recovery Plan, The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1992) outline conservation needs in the following order: preserve, understand, extend knowledge and monitor populations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will consider delisting when at least three populations are sufficiently protected and stable, when additional population searches have been conducted, when representative genotypes are cultivated in permanent collections.