This species with a mainly western Mediterranean distribution is present in Sardinia, Sicily, and in all regions of Southern Italy (of dubious occurrence in Molise). It grows in uncultivated sites, on soils that are dry at least in the summer, from sea level to about 1200 m. The species sporadically appears in the outer belt of the temporary ponds of Sardinia. The genus name in Latin means 'pole', 'spear', 'arrow', referring to the shape of the leaves of some species; the species name comes from the Greek 'thyrsos' (the staff of the Bacchae) and 'eidos' (appearance) in reference to the shape of the inflorescence. Flowering period: April to May.

Italian name(s): Acetosa (Sardegna), Romice a farfalla (Italia), Rumex tirsoide (Italia).