This species of rush with a Mediterranean-Atlantic distribution is present in Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Lazio, Sardinia and Sicily (of dubious presence in Umbria). It grows in swamps and in periodically flooded places, from sea level to approximately 700 m. In the temporary ponds of Sardinia it is not very common but, when present, it occupies large areas in the central 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, which derives from Greek, meaning 'with different leaves', refers to the fact that the basal leaves are flaccid and thread-like, while the stem leaves are cylindrical and knotty-jointed. Flowering period: May to June.

Italian name(s): Giunco natante (Italia).