Endemic to Tasmania, "Helichrysum pumilum" grows mostly in the West and Southwest of the state. Seemingly rare sightings have been recorded in the East of the state . The range of "H.pumilum" extends from buttongrass plains to sub-alpine areas, even to the slopes or summits of mountain ranges. The originally described variety, "pumilum", is mostly confined to the low nutrient, peaty soils of buttongrass plains, occasionally creeping into sub-alpine areas. The variety described by A.M Buchanan, "spathulatum," is more confined to the mountainous alpine areas of the West and Southwest, growing in shallow, skeletal soils. Along with various other seeds and flowers of low moorland or sedge-land plains, "Helichrysum pumilum" is an important food source for the critically endangered Orange-bellied parrot. This small, migratory parrot feasts on the flowers of "H.pumilum" towards the end of their breeding season, between late summer and early autumn.