This is close to squarrosa, and often confused. Both species are widespread across eastern states, typically on wet medium-acid soils, but typhina is concentrated in deeper woods, perhaps with less exposure to droughts or disturbances. In Ky. an apparent hybrid was collected by R. Naczi from LAUR (DOV). C. typhina can be clearly distinguished from squarrosa (FNA 23) by its relatively short achenes (L/W = 1.2-1.9 versus 1.9-2.5) and straight deciduous styles (versus sinuous, persistent). its perigynia are usually appressed-ascending (versus widely radiating to, at base, reflexed), often with slightly scabrous beaks (versus usually smooth). Pistillate portions of spikes are often more elongated (ca. 1-4.3 cm versus 1-2.5 cm), usually with an oblong shape (versus somewhat ovate); pistillate scales are blunt to acute (versus acute to awned). Plants tend to have broader leaves (usually 4-8 mm versus 3-5 mm), with a slightly bluish/grayish hue, and more spikes per stem (usually 2-4 versus 1-2).