In Europe, this species is concentrated on light sandy soils, from pine-woods to dunes and fields (Tutin et al. 2001). It differs from media (FNA 5) in its 0-3 stamens (versus 3-5 (8)); sepals 3-4 mm long (versus 4.5-5 (6) mm); seeds mostly 0.5-0.9 mm wide and yellowish-green (versus 0.9-1.3 and brown); petals usually absent (versus present but variable in length); and plants usually yellowish-green (versus plain green). It has certainly been overlooked across eastern North America, and further examination of colls. filed under media is needed. It is widely scattered in Mo. (Y) and Ohio (A. Cusick, pers. comm.). In Ky, the only records are from colls. of J.W. Thieret (KNK) and the mapping of K (to be detailed and confirmed).