This annual grass with a Mediterranean-Turanian distribution is present in almost all regions of Italy (missing in Valle d'Aosta, Trentino-Alto Adige, Marche and Basilicata, and not reported since a long time from Liguria), but is generally rare and vanishing. It grows on moist, usually brackish soils, mainly along the coasts. The species is sporadic in the temporary ponds of Sardinia, in coastal areas with brackish water. The genus name derives from the Greek 'kryptos' (hidden) in reference to the fact that the inflorescence is hidden by the leaf sheaths; the species name refers to the resemblance of the inflorescence with that of species of Alopecurus. Flowering time: July to October.

Italian name(s): Brignolo alopecuroide (Italia), Crypsis alopecuroide (Italia).