This species with a mainly eastern Mediterranean distribution is present in all regions of Italy except in Valle d'Aosta (and perhaps in Piedmont). It grows in dry meadows, on calcareous, but often decalcified and then subneutral, not very deep soils that are rich in skeleton and dry in summer, below the montane belt. The species is rare in the outer belt of the Sardinian temporary ponds. The plant, especially in the bulbs, contain toxic substances. The genus name derives from the Greek 'pros' (close) and 'peráo' (I step by), probably meaning that this genus is so close to Scilla, from which it was segregated, that it was not recognised for a long time; the species name refers to the period of flowering. Flowering time: August to September. Syn.: Scilla autumnalis L.

Italian name(s): Jacinteddu autunnali (Sicilia), Lillixeddu (Sardegna), Prospero (Italia), Scilla autunnale (Italia).