This species with a strictly Mediterranean distribution is present in all regions of Southern Italy, all along the Tyrrhenian coast from Liguria, and in Sardinia (no longer found in the Marche). It grows on uncultivated ground, sometimes even on walls, on soils that are rather rich in humus, in usually shaded sites, from sea level to about 800 m. The species sporadically occurs on the edges of the Sardinian temporary ponds, mainly in shaded areas. All parts of the plant are poisonous. The genus name was already in use among the ancients for a similar plant, the species name in Latin means 'common'. Flowering period: October to May.

Italian name(s): Ansareddu (Sicilia, Etna), Anzareddu (Sicilia, Etna), Arisaro (Toscana), Arisaro comune (Italia), Arisaro volgare (Italia), Avrareja (Calabria), Azareddu (Sicilia, Etna), Azzaru (Sicilia, Etna), Caumastru (Sicilia, Modica), Cuciandrina (Liguria, Barassi), Erba de pipas (Sardegna, Capoterra), Folla origuda (Sardegna, Capoterra), Galio (Liguria, Bordighera), Gallio (Liguria, Mortola), Gilico (Toscana), Giugaira (Liguria, San Remo), Guaglio (Liguria, Bordighera), Jalella (Campania, Capri), Kalen (Liguria, Nizza), Lughea (Liguria, Quinto), Oregge de luvo (Liguria, Dolcedo), Origa de lepuri (Sardegna), Senseggi (Liguria, S.Maria di Rapallo), Sgagi (Liguria, Noli), Singoeggi (Liguria, S. Fruttuoso di Portofino), Uaggina (Liguria, Chiavari), Uregia d'asu (Liguria, Porto Maurizio).