This annual grass with a broadly Mediterranean distribution is present throughout Italy, but is more frequent in the Center-South. It grows on dry sandy soils, e.g. on maritime dunes, mainly in coastal areas, but also in the interior; sometimes, although rarely, behaving as a weed. The species is very rare along the margins of the temporary ponds of Sardinia, in contact with dry grasslands. The characteristic inflorescences are often used for dried flower arrangements. The genus name in Greek means 'hare's tail', referring to the shape of the inflorescence; the species name refers to the oval shape of the spike. Flowering period: March to June.

Italian name(s): Coa de lepura (Sardegna), Coda di lepre (Toscana), Coda di sorcio (Puglia, Barletta), Coda di volpe (Puglia, Barletta), Cuda di gatta (Sicilia, Catania), Cuda di lepru (Sicilia), Cunigghiulu (Sicilia, Avola), Fieno meschino (Toscana, Val di Chiana), Jattareddu (Sicilia, Avola), Jattarieddu (Sicilia), Laguro (Italia), Mazzaredda (Sicilia, Modica), Mussi Mussi (Sardegna, Balotana), Mustacci di militare (Puglia, Barletta), Piumino (Toscana), Piumino (Italia), Piumino nano (Italia), Piumino vestito (Italia).