This western segregate of muricata usually has shorter spikelets (2.5-3.8 mm versus 3.5-5 mm), and shorter awns on lower lemmas (0-10 mm versus 6-16 mm). Some plants formerly named var. wiegandii Fassett or E. occidentalis (Wieg.) Rydb. are provisionally included here (FNA 25). They may be distinguished by spikelets with relatively short hairs, often not clearly pustular-based (F), and have been confused with crus-galli; it seems possible that some intergradation occurs.