This close relative of triglomerata occurs largely on the Atlantic Coastal Plain, typically growing on dry acid soils. It may deserve no more than varietal status, and has not been separated at all from triglomerata in some recent treatments (Cr, FNA 23). However, while admitting much "hybridization or incomplete hybridization" in the genus, R. LeBlond (in W) considered that nitida is a distinct species; see also F. Further examination of Ky. colls. is needed for mapping. There are colls. at GH from CALL, HARL and MADI that have been det. as nitida by authorities. S. nitida reportedly differs from triglomerata in its frequently longer rhizomes; its leaves are yellowish-green (versus bluish geen) and narrower on average (ca. 4-6 mm wide, versus 6-8 mm); its sheaths are usually purplish (versus bluish-green, except for the band at summit), and the ventral surface is pubescent, especially on the "membranous band" (F) at the summit (versus glabrous, or nearly so); and its achenes are longer (2.8-4 mm versus 2-3.3 mm).