This is widely scattered in northern and midwestern regions, but generally restricted to subxeric or mesic woods on calcareous soils in relatively deep ravines, usually growing on rocks. It has sometimes been confused with oligocarpa, a less robust species that is more common and often grows in the same habitat. One of the clearest differences in hitchcockiana (F; FNA 23) is its brown culm bases (versus purple-red). Also, perigynia are usually longer (mostly 4.6-5.6 mm versus 3.7-4.7 mm), and sheaths are hispidulous (versus glabrous). There is little difference in leaf width.