This annual plant with a Mediterranean-Macaronesian distribution is present, with two subspecies, in all regions of Central and Southern Italy, in Emilia-Romagna and in Liguria (of dubious presence in the Marche). The life-cycle can be spent part in water, part on moist to dry soil. It grows in meadows and uncultivated ground, sometimes even at the edges of ephemeral ponds, below the lower montane belt, with optimum in the Mediterranean belt. The species is very common in the outer and intermediate belts of the Sardinian temporary ponds, where it gives rise to abundant blooms in early spring and is adapted to prolonged periods of flooding. The genus name derives from the Latin 'bellus' (beautiful), the species name refers to the annual life cycle that differentiates this species from B. perennis. Flowering period: November to April.

Italian name(s): Bellis annua (Italia), Ciuriddu jancu (Sicilia, etna), Occhio di pupa (Abruzzi, Larino), Pratolina annua (Italia), Pratolina annuale (Italia).