This annual plant with a wide palaeo-temperate distribution is present in Piedmont, Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, Sicily, Sardinia, and in all regions along the western side of the Italian Peninsula, except in Campania. It grows on damp sand and mud, on siliceous substrates, from sea level to about 1500 m. It is a characteristic species of the temporary ponds but, to date, in Sardinia it has been found only in the outer belt of the ponds of La Maddalena and Buddusò. The genus name derives from the Greek 'linon' (thread), for the flax fiber obtained from some species and used for fabrics; the species name, from the Latin 'radius' (ray), refers to the radiating branches of the inflorescence. Flowering period: June to September.

Italian name(s): Falso-Lino (Italia), Radiola (Italia).