This southeastern taxon is generally distinct and does deserve species status (Ford et al. 2006; R. Naczi, pers. comm.); see Mohlenbrock (2011). It is locally abundant in relatively mesic woods of LYON, TRIG (WKY) and nearby, often without typical digitalis. Some colls. (CALL & CARL at MUR) have been considered transitional to C. digitalis var. asymmetrica Fern., which was combined with the more southern var. floridana (L.H. Bailey) Naczi & Bryson in FNA 23. C. macropoda differs from typical digitalis in its terminal (staminate) spikes usually exceeding upper bracts (versus the upper bracts exceeding the spikes), with longer well-developed peduncles (usually 8-15 cm versus 1-7 cm); perigynia usually have fewer nerves per face (7-10 versus 11-15); and well-developed leaf blades are usually narrower (2-2.9 mm versus 2.7-4.5 mm).