This annual plant with a strictly Mediterranean distribution is present in Tuscany, in Lazio, and in all regions of Southern Italy and the Islands (since a long time no longer reported from Liguria). It grows in gaps of Mediterranean garrigues and in rather disturbed sites, sometimes even at the edges of roads, mainly on siliceous substrates, from sea level to about 600 m. The species is sporadic on the edge of the Sardinian temporary ponds, in contact with ruderal vegetation. The genus name refers to the wolves, but it is assonant with the Greek 'lype' (pain) and 'lepo' (I open a pod), with the probable meaning of 'legume which is toxic for wolves'; the species is dedicated to Giovanni Gussone (1787-1866), a botanist at Palermo. Flowering period: April to May.

Italian name(s): Lupino a fiori piccoli (Italia), Lupino irsuto (Italia), Lupino micranto (Italia).