This annual plant with a strictly Mediterranean distribution is known from Tuscany, Lazio, Puglia, Sardinia and Sicily (since a long time no longer reported from Campania). It grows in disturbed dry sites, on uncultivated ground, on rather primitive, sometimes volcanic soils rich in skeleton derived from siliceous substrates, from sea level to about 600 m. It is a characteristic species of the Mediterranean temporary ponds, but in Sardinia it is very rare, along the margins of the temporary ponds. The genus is dedicated to the Belgian botanist Jean Kickx (1775-1831); the species name is derived from the Latin word 'cirrus' (lock of hair) and therefore means 'curly'. Flowering period: May to June.

Italian name(s): Cencio cirroso (Italia), Cencio sottile (Italia).