This recently described species occurs in east-central states from Okl. to Va. (FNA 23; Rothrock et al. 2011). Initially verified Ky. records were colls. of R. Naczi from CUMB and ROCK (DOV). Also, there are verified colls. from MADI (MICH), and (BARR (EKY): C.J. Lapham #355 (20 May 1995, with J. Campbell & Z. Murrell), Rt 31E near Edmonson Co. line. C. molestiformis differs from molesta in its larger, fewer perigynia, and generally higher chromosome number (2n = 74, or 70 in plants from Ky. and Tenn.). See further notes under brevior, which is perhaps its closest relative. Both species are best distinguished from molesta using their achenes, which are oblong to suborbicular, 1.3-1.8 mm wide (versus ellipsoid to oblong, 0.9-1.3 mm wide). Their spikes tend to be less congested, with perigynia less numerous in each spike (mostly 15-40 versus 30-80), and more appressed-ascending (versus squarrose-spreading); mature perigynia tend to be wider (mostly 2.3-3.4 mm versus 1.8-3 mm). Despite generally accepted differences among these three species, some colls. from Ky. remain difficult to assign, perhaps reflecting significant variation within each species, if not actual intergradation.