This annual rush with a broadly Mediterranean distribution is present in most of the regions of Italy (missing in Trentino-Alto Adige, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Abruzzo and Molise). It grows on periodically flooded soils, below the montane belt. It is a characteristic species of the Mediterranean temporary ponds of Sardinia, where it mostly occurs in the outer belt. The genus name, from the Latin 'iúngere' (to join, to tie), refers to the ancient use of weaving the stems and leaves of rush species to create different objects; the species name, from the Latin 'caput' (head), refers to the flowers, that are clustered in dense heads located at the apex of the stems. Flowering period: April to May.

Italian name(s): Giunco a capolino (Italia), Giunco capitato (Italia).