This annual plant of Mediterranean origin has now become almost cosmopolitan, and is of ancient introduction near the limits of its present distributional range; it occurs in all regions of Italy. It grows in disturbed vegetation, in cultivated fields, on the edge of rural lanes, on stone walls, on often decalcified, neutral to sub-acid soils that are arid in summer and rich in nitrogen compounds, from sea level to the lower montane belt. The species is found on the edge of the Sardinian temporary ponds, in contact with ruderal vegetation. The genus name derives from the Greek 'géranos' which means 'crane', referring to the long beak that surmounts the fruit; the species name in Latin means 'soft', referring to the texture of the leaves. Flowering period: March to July.

Italian name(s): Anzas de Nostra Segnora (Sardegna), Bruccittula (Sicilia), Erba d' l grue (Piemonte, Rovello), Erba del bruciato (Puglia), Erba polacca (Puglia), Favetta (Emilia-Romagna, Parma), Gerani salvadegh (Emilia-Romagna, Reggio), Geranio molle (Italia), Geranio sardelon (Friuli), Geranio volgare (Italia), Geranio volgare (Toscana), Pè de gallo (Liguria, Genova), Piè di gallo (Toscana), Riundala sarvaja (Piemonte, Venaria).