This relatively short Scleria is widespread in the Caribbean region and most eastern states. In Ky. it occurs on slightly damp to seasonally xeric acid soils (including leached or cherty calcareous soils). Some authors have treated pauciflora as a variety of ciliata (Cr); both have papillose achenes with 3 or 6 basal lobes or tubercules. But see notes under ciliata. More hairy plants have also been considered distinct, as var. caroliniana (Willd.) Wood, with a more northern range (FNA 23, W). Colls. of R. Athey from LIVI and MARS (NCU) are referable to var. caroliniana, and other colls. of the species need to be rechecked.