20a. var. oligosanthes

Leaf sheaths pubescent with mostly appressed hairs, the ligules 1.5–2.0 mm long and usually also with at least a few hairs to 4.0 mm long. Leaf blades densely pubescent on the undersurface with appressed hairs. Spikelets mostly 3.3–4.0 mm long, the stalks mostly 2–5 mm long. 2n=18. May–July (vernal), June–September (autumnal).

Uncommon in the Ozark and Mississippi Lowlands Divisions (eastern U.S. west to Minnesota and Texas). Mesic to dry upland forests and banks of streams and rivers.

This variety is much less common in Missouri than var. scribnerianum and is restricted to the southern portion of the state.