2a. var. major (Torr.) Erdman

Pl. 136 i, j

S. intermedia Rydb.

Inflorescences usually open at maturity, at least the lowermost branches loosely ascending to spreading. Rachilla with the joint between the glumes and the lowermost floret mostly 0.8–1.0 mm long. Upper glume 3–6 times as long as the width in side view (from midnerve to margin), oblanceolate, the tip sharply pointed.

Scattered nearly throughout the state (U.S., Canada, Alaska). Bottomland forests, mesic to dry upland forests, upland prairies, glades, ledges and tops of bluffs, banks of spring branches, streams, and rivers, and margins of ponds and sinkhole ponds; also roadsides, railroads, old fields, pastures, and disturbed, open areas. 2n=14. May–July.

Although both varieties can occur in the same range of habitats, var. major is the more commonly encountered of the two in forested or shaded sites. In contrast, var. obtusata is usually found in sunny areas. Overall, var. major is the slightly less common of the two.