This annual plant with an originally Mediterranean distribution has now become almost cosmopolitan and is of ancient introduction into the northernmost part of its distributional range, being present in all regions of Italy. It grows in cultivated fields, along trails, in disturbed sites, on silty and clayey, subarid to moist soils which are rich in nitrogen compounds but usually decalcified, from sea level to about 1400 m. The species is sporadic on the edge of the Sardinian temporary ponds, in contact with ruderal vegetation. The genus name derives from the Greek 'keras' (horn), due to the elongated shape of the capsules; the species names refers to the flowers, which are crowded in bundles. Flowering period: January to December.

Italian name(s): Cerastio glomerato (Italia), Forzen (Emilia-Romagna, Parma), Muschio di prato (Toscana), Peverina (Lombardia, Cant. Ticino), Peverina dei campi (Italia).