This annual grass with a strictly Mediterranean distribution is present in Tuscany, Lazio, Puglia, Sardinia and Sicily. It grows on moist, weakly salty soil near the coast. The species is common in the outer belt of the Sardinian temporary ponds. The genus name derives from the Greek 'poly' (a lot) and 'pogon' (beard), referring to the fluffy inflorescence; the species name means 'similar to P. spathaceus', another congeneric species. Flowering period: March to May.

Italian name(s): Coda di lepre maggiore (Italia), Polypogon maggiore (Italia).