This species of the mountains of the north-eastern part of the Mediterranean Region is present in Sardinia and in all regions of peninsular Italy, with the exception of Tuscany. It grows on dry and stony slopes and in mountain pastures, from 700 to 1700 m, rarely at lower or higher altitudes (up to 2000 m). The species is rare on the edge of the Sardinian temporary ponds, in contact with dry grasslands and garrigue vegetation. The genus name derives from the Greek 'hypo' (below) and 'choeros' (pig) with the meaning of 'food for pigs'; the species name refers to the Island of Crete, where the species is present. Flowering period: April to June.

Italian name(s): Costolina cretese (Italia), Ipocheride cretense (Italia), Ipocheride di Creta (Italia).