This annual spurge with a mainly western, Mediterranean- Macaronesian distribution, is present in almost all the regions of Central, Southern and Insular Italy (missing only in the Marche, Umbria and Basilicata). It grows in dry uncoltivated sites, sometimes along roads, on mainly sandy soils which are dry in summer, from sea level to about 500 m. The species is sporadic in the outer margin of the Sardinian temporary ponds. The sap is poisonous: very irritating, it can trigger photoallergic reactions. The genus name refers to Euphorbus, physician of King Juba II of Mauritania (I sec. BC - I century AD), which, according to Pliny, discovered the spurge and its properties; the species name in Greek means 'with a winged capsule', in reference to the two wavy wings present on the back of the three lodges of the fruit. Flowering period: April to May.

Italian name(s): Euforbia pterococca (Italia), Euphorbia con frutto alato (Italia).