This largely Appalachian species is generally distinct from lurida, but several colls. are difficult to assign. Plants of lurida that are immature or depauperate, with unusually narrow spikes and leaves, are easily confused with baileyi. The western limits of baileyi remains uncertain; compare FNA 23 and K. In Ky. there appear to be disjunct colls. from acid swamps and seeps in western regions (including CALL, HICK, MUHL & NELS), but further study is needed. The best characters for distinguishing baileyi froim lurida (FNA 23) are its narrower spikes (usually 9-15 mm versus 15-22 mm including beaks), which tend to be relatively elongated (L/W mostly = 2-5 versus 1-3), and its narrower widest leaves (usually 2.4-4 mm versus 4.5-13 mm). Its perigynia [including beaks] are usually shorter (mostly 4.8-6.6 mm versus 6.5-10.8 mm), with relatively long beaks (0.7-1.3 times body versus 0.7-0.9 times); but these are less reliable differences.