This species with a wide Eurasian-Mediterranean distribution is present in all regions of Italy. It grows as a pioneer ephemeral plant in periodically submerged vegetation, at the edges of ponds and rivers, on sandy to silty-clayey soils that are rich in bases and nitrogen compounds, from sea level to about 1500 m. It is a characteristic species of the Sardinian temporary ponds; however, it is not very common, being mainly localized in the intermediate belt. The genus name, already used by the ancient Greeks, is of uncertain etymology, perhaps it derives from the island of Cyprus (Kypros); the species name comes from the Latin 'fuscus' (dark, black), because of the colour of the glumes. Flowering period: July to September.

Italian name(s): Carizì (Lombardia, brescia), Cipero fosco (Italia), Giunco nero (Toscana), Zigolì (Lombardia, brescia), Zigolo nero (Italia).