This Mediterranean species is present in all regions of Central, Southern, and Insular Italy (where it is most frequent), in Liguria, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna and Veneto. It grows in stony and sunny uncultivated sites, in pastures and along roadsides, below the montane belt. The species is sporadic on the edge of the Sardinian temporary ponds, in contact with ruderal vegetation, or in areas subject to fires. The dry stem, which is tough and light, is used to build chairs, stools and other crafts. The plant is toxic: ingestion of the aerial parts by cattle and sheep causes the so-called 'Ferula illness', with severe intoxication and haemorrhage that can lead to death. The genus name in Latin means 'reed', but also 'stick, lash', as the dry stem was used for corporal punishment of unruly pupils. Flowering period: May to June.

Italian name(s): Cagna fenu (Sardegna, Alghero), Cannaferla (Campania, Ischia), F' nucina (Emilia-Romagna, Reggio), Fella grossa (Sicilia, Mirto), Fergola (Abruzzi, Foggia), Ferlizza (Abruzzi, Larino), Ferluju (Calabria), Ferola (Toscana), Ferra majuri (Sicilia), Ferula (Toscana), Ferula (Abruzzi, Foggia), Ferula comune (Italia), Ferulaggine (Toscana), Finocchiaccio (Italia), Fregola (Abruzzi, Foggia).