Culms 70-170 cm. Leaves green, sometimes slightly glaucous. Inflorescence units usually with 2 rames; subtending sheaths (1.7)2.4-3.1(4) mm wide; peduncles (1) 4-9 (30) mm; rames (1.3)1.5-2.3(3) cm.
Andropogon virginicus var. decipiens grows in flatwoods, scrublands, and disturbed sites, such as roadsides and cleared timberlands, of the southeastern coastal plain.