This widespread weedy species is often confused with other species. Occasional hybrids are suspected (e.g. with gracilescens or even with digitalis in WARR at BEREA), but there is little direct evidence of hybridization across its range (FNA 23). There is considerable variation in leaf width, perigynium shape, length of the staminate peduncle, and chromosome number; 2n = 30, 32, 34, 36 or ?40. With current treatments, separation from gracilescens is difficult in some cases; this complex still needs more analysis, as noted further under gracilescens (Y; C. Bryson, pers. comm.). C. blanda can usually be distinguished from most allies in section Laxiflorae other than gracilescens (FNA 23) by its relatively short perigynia (ca. 2.5-4 mm long versus mostly 3-5.5 mm), with less elongated shape (L/W mostly ca. 1.8-2 versus 2-3), the beaks averaging shorter (0.2-0.6 mm versus 0.2-1.7 mm) and abruptly bent out at ca. 60-90 degrees (versus 0-60 degrees). Perigynia are mostly 1.5-1.9 times as long as achenes; versus 1.9-2.3 in most other Laxiflorae or 1.2-1.6 in albusina and kraliana). C. albursina has somewhat similar perigynia but more separated in the spikes; it also has distinctly broader bracts and leaves.