See notes under hispidissimum. The status and distribution of true molle (as a var., ssp. or species) has been confused in Ky., given its varied treatments and identifications (e.g. Baskin et al. 1983, Turner 1995; and their citations). Typical molle may be virtually restricted to c. Tenn. (especially Davidson, Rutherford & Wilson Counties) and n. Ala, where is it locally common in cedar glades and nearby farmland. A few colls. from Ky. have been referred to molle, but their identification remains somewhat uncertain. There are also historical records from s. Ill (NS). O. molle differs from hispidissimum in its more distinctly pitted nutlets (with little or no basal collar), denser and somewhat corymbiform inflorescence, smaller leaves (up to 8 x 2 cm versus 15 x 4 cm), relatively dense soft uniform appressed pubescence on leaves (giving plants a distinctive greyish appearance), and typically shorter stature (ca. 30-70 dm tall versus 50-120 cm).