This occurs mostly on the southeastern Coastal Plain (FNA 25), where it largely replaces typical virginicus in some areas, but it has often been overlooked. Its inflorescence differs in having slender sheaths (ca. 2.4-3.1 mm wide versus ca. 3.3-4.4), typically with only 2 branches (versus 2-5), which are often exserted on relatively long peduncles. Locally dense populations occur in the ancient species-rich meadows of PULA (JC for KY) at Hazel Dell, and probably at other seasonally dry sites in warmer regions of the state. Further revision of virginicus is needed across the state. Var. decipiens can also be casually confused with Schizachyrium. The latter genus has cupulate tips on rame internodes, lower glumes convex (versus flat to concave), usually more veined between weaker keels, and usually solitary racemes per peduncle and sheath (FNA 25).