This annual plant with a mainly Mediterranean distribution is present in almost all regions of Italy. It grows in disturbed areas and in uncultivated dry sites, sometimes in the cracks of paving stones, often in urban environments, from sea level to the lower montane belt. The species is rarely found also in the outer belt of the temporary ponds of Sardinia, in contact with ruderal vegetation. The genus name, which in Latin means 'food that fattens', was borrowed by Linnaeus from Lobelius, who called 'Saginae Spergula' the plant presently called Spergula arvensis, that was cultivated in Brabant as food for cows; the species name refers to the fact that the flowers are often devoid of petals. Flowering period: February to June.

Italian name(s): Sagina apetala (Italia), Sagina senza petali (Italia).