This is widespread from southeastern states to Mexico and Cuba, especially on fertile soils in mowed or trampled areas; 2n = 60 and ca. 64 (FNA 25). P. publiflorum is similar to setaceum. Its spikelets are usually larger (2.5-3.6 mm versus 1.4-2.6 mm excluding pedicels), with obovate shape (versus often suborbicular). Racemes tend to be fewer (usually 1-3 versus 3-5), with the terminal one distinctly bent away froim the culm apex (versus usually extending in a straight line) and about as long as lower ones, up to 8 cm (versus distinctly longer, up to 12 cm). Rachises are straight (versus often sinuous) and wider (1.1-2.3 mm versus 0.2-1.2 mm). Ligules are longer (1-3.2 mm versus 0.2-1 mm), and plants tend to be more decumbent (rooting at the nodes versus cespitose or short-rhizomatous). All Ky. colls. are referable to var. glabrum Vasey ex Scribn., but that segregate is not considered distinct in most recent treatments (FNA 25). Typical var. pubiflorum is less robust and more hairy but may have larger spikelets; it is reported to have a more southwestern range (Hitchcock & Chase 1950; F, W).