This variety is reported to have a relatively western range, and it is documented from se. Mo. (Banks 1966). The few Ky. records are only from central counties and may be unreliable: JEFF (US), LEE (KY) and perhaps WOOD (Ky.-Agr.).. FNA 25 indicated that var. stramineum is close to var. muhlenbergii, with spikelets that are generally shorter, paler and more hairy. Its blades are minutely puberulent according to most treatments (F; Hitchcock & Chase 1950; R. LeBlond in W), but this character was omitted in FNA 25; further revision or explanation is needed. Var. straminuem is also close to var. setaceum, but differs in its leaf blades, which are relatively broad, less hairy, and yellowish- to dark green (versus grayish-green leaves); also, its spikelets tend ti be longer (mostly 1.7-2.4 mm versus 1.5-1.7 mm).