This annual grass with a mainly western Mediterranean distribution is present in the Tyrrhenian regions of Italy, from Tuscany to Campania, and in Sardinia. It grows in uncultivated grassy sites, on soils which are rather moist at least in the spring, usually on siliceous substrates, below the lower montane belt. The species is common in the outer belt of the Sardinian temporary ponds. The genus name derives from the Greek 'anthos' (flower) and 'xanthos' (yellow), the species name refers to the awned spikelets. Flowering period: April to June.

Italian name(s): Antoxanto aristato (Italia), Paleo aristato (Italia).