Although reported from scattered regions of east-central states, nottowayanus remains rather poorly understood and overlooked (McKenzie & Ladd 1995). Until recently there were only a few reliable records from Ky. (e.g. Naczi et al. 2002), but the species may be fairly widespread. There has been some inconsistency in its treatment (F, Cr, W, FNA 24), and better description is needed. B. nottowayanus typically occurs on lower ground than pubescens, especially fertile floodplain terraces and toeslopes. It flowers mostly in Jun-Jul, between pubescens and latiglumis. It is locally abundant on brushy roadsides at edges of woods. B. nottowayanus differs from pubescens in its leaves which are dark green, with "a conspicuous satiny sheen (when fresh)" on abaxial surfaces; adaxial surfaces are densely villous (versus glabrous to sparsely villous); sheaths are thinly to densely villous, usually with a distinct tuft of hairs at the summit opposite the ligule (versus glabrous to canescent but lacking a distinct tuft at summit). In Ky. nottowayanus often has short hairs on culms and rachises (versus smooth in typical pubescens). Its ligules may also be shorter on average (ca. 0.4-1 mm versus 0.5-2 mm) and often ciliolate (versus glabrous), according to FNA 24. Some authors have indicated that leaves (or nodes) are generally more numerous in nottowayanus, and that nodes are often covered or nearly so (versus at least the upper exposed); but these do not seem to be reliable differences. Florets are similar; FNA 24 reported that second glumes are mostly 5-veined (versus 3-veined), but both may be 3(5)-veined (W).