This annual plant with a sub-Mediterranean-sub-Atlantic distribution is present, but generally very rare, in almost all regions of peninsular Italy (it was never reported from Puglia), in Liguria, Emilia-Romagna and Sardinia (not reported in recent times from Piedmont and Lombardy). It grows on moist soils, from sea level to about 800 m. The species sporadically occurs on the edge of the Sardinian temporary ponds. The genus is dedicated to the German botanist Conrad Moench (1744-1805); the species name refers to the erect stems. Flowering period: May to June.

Italian name(s): Moenchia eretta (Italia), Peverina eretta (Italia).