This relatively hairy variety (with hirsute leaf surfaces) extends more into northeastern states and adjacent Canada, compared to other varieties, but with no clear difference in habitat. It appears to be relatively frequent in Ky. Compared to var. ciliatifolium (FNA 25), blades are evenly covered with 1.5-5.5 mm hairs (versus glabrous to rarely short pilose); spikelets tend to be larger (1.8-2.5 x 1.5-2 mm versus 1,7-2 x 1.2-1.5 mm) and oval to suborbicular (versus elliptic to obovate).