This relative of cephalophora is largely restricted to east-central states, from Kans. and Neb. to the Carolinas and s. New England (K). It is typical of grassy open areas, often in pastures or lawns on relatively damp fertile soil; in contrast, cephalophora is largely restricted to woods, especially on subxeric sites. Distinction of these two species is difficult with some colls., especially when immature, but careful study of good material shows clear distinction (F, FNA 23). Compared to cephalophora and leavenworthii, pistillate scale bodies in mesochorea are 2.3-3.1 mm long (versus 1-2.5 mm), with bodies ca. 70-100% as long as bodies of perigynia (versus 40-60%), usually with three distinct green nerves (versus only the midnerve distrinct). Perigynia are 3-4.1 x 1.7-2.6 mm (versus 2-3.5 x 1.4-2.1 mm), with distally serrulate margins (versus smooth or serruate), usually more inflated, and tend to be deeper green (versus yellowish). Spikes are relatively large (10-20 x 9-14 mm versus 6-20 x 4.5-10 mm), on culms up to 60-100 cm tall (versus often no more than 60 cm), usually exserted well above the leaves (versus often little exserted), but those are less reliable characters.