This is a widespread eastern species of dry thin woods and edges; 2n = 40. See notes under texensis, which has often been confused. Both are distinguished from the rosea-radiata group (Cr, FNA 23) by having smooth perigynium beak margins (versus scabrid/serrulate). Also, pistillate scales tend to be less persistent and more elongated (ca. 67-100% as long as perigynia versus 50-75%), with an acute to acuminate apex (versus often obtuse to a more abruptly awned apex). And proximal internodes of inflorescence are only 0.5-3 times as long as proximal spikes (versus usually 2.5-5 times).