Because of loss of its fire-dependent habitat, this species is uncommon and is considered vulnerable.[1][5]
Although most populations are distinct, intermediate populations have been reported between Silphium pinnatifidum and Silphium terebinthinaceum, and some botanists consider S. pinnatifidum only a variety of S. terebinthinaceum. S. pinnatifidum was once thought to be a result of hybridization between Silphium terebinthinaceum and Silphium laciniatum, although molecular studies have indicated that S. pinnatifidum is too closely allied to S. terebinthinaceum for this to be the case.[6]