Mapping is provisional. This taxon appears to be a generally distinct species based on cytology, genetics and analysis of hybrids (Dietrich et al. 1997, Greiner 2008, W.L. Wagner & P.C. Hoch in Y), but it has been much overlooked due to confusion with biennis. O. nutans is reportedly widespread in northeastern regions and the southern Appalachians above 800 m (K, W); there are also scattered reports west to Ky., Ind. and Mo. (K, Y). For Ky., colls. have been reported from HARL (Univ. of Colorado), FLOY (APSC), MADI (Univ. of Kansas), MENI (B), and perhaps CALL (Dietrich et al. 1997; but no details provided). Further study of colls. filed under biennis and parviflora is desirable, although nutans appears to be derived primarily from the more southern grandiflora (Dietrich et al. 1997). In W.Va., Va., Ky. and Tenn., nutans tends to flower earlier (mostly late Jun-Aug versus Aug-Oct), despite its association with generally cooler climate; see also Solidago canadensis versus altissima. O. nutans differs from typical biennis in its bracts being shed before flowers open (versus persistent) and their generally smaller size (ca. 1-2.5 cm long versus 1.2-5 cm). It tends to have less long-hairy inflorescences (with mostly minute glandular hairs to almost glabrous on fruits versus villous with long or short hairs). Below the inflorescence, plants often appear to be largely glabrous but tend to have more frequent long spreading hairs on leaves and stems (versus denser with mostly short appressed hairs). Based on some earlier descriptions (F, Cr) and personal observation, flowers of nutans tend to be larger (with petals mostly 2-2.5 cm long versus 1-2 cm), while capsules tend to be smaller (mostly 1.5-3.5 cm long versus 2-4 cm). However, W.L. Wagner & P.C. Hoch (in Y vol. 3) reported no diagnostic differences in these dimensions.