Recognition of Avenella, as a monotypic segregate of Deschampsia, is supported by recent molecular analysis (Garcia-Suarez et al. 1997; Chiapella 2007; see also W). A. flexuosa is a remarkably widespread, variable species in humid, cool temperate and boreal regions of northeastern North America, Central to South America, Eurasia and New Zealand. Intraspecific taxa are not generally recognized, but 2n = 14 to 42 (FNA 24). There is a remarkable disjunct population on the Cumberland Plateau from se Ky. to ne Ala. (K), where it occurs mostly in dry sandy woods near cliffs. [An old record from FAYE is not accepted here; apparently from cultivation, Ky.Agr.]