This species with a mainly southern and western, strictly Mediterranean distribution, is present in Sardinia and in Sicily. It grows in dry and stony uncultivated, barren pastures, below the montane belt. The species is sporadic on the edge of the Sardinian temporary ponds, in contact with ruderal vegetation. The genus name is of uncertain etymology: it could derive from the Greek 'eryngion' (hedgehog) or 'eryma' (defense), in both cases alluding to the strong prickliness of the plant; the species name refers to the bracts of the inflorescence, which are three-forked. Flowering period: June to September.

Italian name(s): Calcatreppola tricuspidata (Italia), Erba de sa mali a punzia (Sardegna, Iglesias), Eringio tricuspidato (Italia), Pei de cani (Sardegna).