This species with a Mediterranean distribution is present in all regions of peninsular and insular Italy, in Liguria, Emilia-Romagna and Friuli Venezia Giulia. It grows in openings of maquis and garrigue vegetation and in semi-arid, steppe-like grasslands, on soils that are rich in skeleton and dry in summer, from sea level to about 1200 m. This species is very common in the pastures of Sardinia, and occasionally it colonizes the margins of the temporary ponds. The genus name derives from the Latin 'cardulina', which means 'little thistle'; the species name refers to the heads that are arranged in corymb-like inflorescences. Flowering period: July to September.

Italian name(s): Cardogna (Campania), Carlina corimbosa (Italia), Carlina raggio d'oro (Italia), Pei caudi (Liguria, Camporosso), Serrone (Campania), Spinarba (Sardegna), Spinello (Campania).