H. anomalus is a rare endemic to sand dune and swale habitats in southern Utah and northern Arizona [USA]. It is known from less than 25 localities, often with fewer than 250 plants in each locale. Several populations persist in fields arounds Third Mesa on the Hopi Indian Reservation, near one of the oldest continuously inhabited villages in North America. In at least 1 field-orchard complex, it is consciously protected or tolerated by Hopi farmers, for this sunflower''s ceremonial significance.