This segregate of odoratus is widespread from midwestern to northeastern states and adjacent Canada. It has been combined with odoratus in some recent treatments, differing only in its more loosely flowered spikelets with non-overlapping scales, and more elongated seeds (F, FNA 23, W). C. engelmannii was recently reported from BOYD and CUMB in a critical study of the genus within Ky. (Mears & Libby 1995, Mears 1999). Further search for this taxon is needed in the field and herbarium.