This aquatic plant with a wide Eurasian distribution is present in all regions of Italy. It grows in stagnant or slowly flowing, shaded, meso-eutrophic freshwaters that are poor in calcium, from sea level to about 1200 m. The species is common in the temporary ponds of Sardinia, where it forms dense, generally monospecific populations. The genus name derives from Greek and means 'beautiful hairs' alluding to the thin stems, the species name, from the Latin 'stagnum' (pond) refers to the habitat. Flowering period: April to September.

Italian name(s): Callitriche degli stagni (Italia), Gamberaja maggiore (Italia).