This annual plant with a wide Eurasian-Mediterranean distribution is present in all regions of Italy. It grows in open vegetation on muddy or silty-clay soils, sometimes on wet gravel, below the montane belt. The species is sporadic on the edge of the Sardinian temporary ponds, in contact with dry grasslands and garrigue vegetation. The plant contains bitter substances, and, as other congeneric species, it is still used as a digestive. The genus name is derived from the centaur Chiron, in Greek mythology an expert on medicinal plants; the species name in Latin means 'little, small'. Flowering period: May to September.

Italian name(s): Centaurio pulchello (Italia), Centauro elegante (Italia).