This species, which has a sub-Atlantic-Mediterranean distribution, is present in almost all the regions of Italy (missing in Valle d'Aosta, Lombardy and Trentino-Alto Adige, and not found since a long time in Liguria and Calabria). It grows in marshy meadows and ephemeral pools, sometimes even on weakly saline soils, below the lower montane belt. In the temporary ponds of Sardinia the species is common in the intermediate and outer belts. The genus name is derived from two Greek words, 'alopes' (fox) and 'ura' (tail), because of the shape of the inflorescence of some species; the species name refers to the pear-shaped, bulb-like swelling at the base of the stems. Flowering period: March to July.

Italian name(s): Alopecuro bulboso (Italia), Coda di topo bulbosa (Italia).