This species with a Mediterranean-Macaronesian distribution is present, with two subspecies, in all regions of Italy with the exception of Piedmont, Valle d'Aosta and Trentino-Alto Adige. It is a typical component of evergeen maquis vegetation. The species is sporadic along the margins of the Sardinian temporary ponds, in contact with Mediterranean maquis vegetation. The genus name derives from the Latin 'ruber' (red) for the dyeing properties of the roots, especially those of Rubia tinctorum L., which was grown for this use; the species name, which in Latin means 'pilgrim', may refer to the tendency to expand with ease. Flowering period: April to June.

Italian name(s): Robbia di Requien (Italia), Robbia selvatica (Italia), Robbia selvatica a foglie lunghe (Italia).