This annual rush with a wide, almost cosmopolitan distribution is present in all regions of Italy. The life-cycle can be spent part in water, part on moist to dry soil. It grows in wetlands, also on saline soils, from sea level to approximately 2000 m. It is a characteristic species of the Mediterranean temporary ponds of Sardinia, where it is common in the outer belt. The genus name, from the Latin 'iúngere' (to join, to tie), refers to the ancient use of weaving the stems and leaves of rush species to create different objects; the species name comes from the Latin 'bufo' (toad), in reference to the habitat. Flowering period: April to September.

Italian name(s): Erba famina (Piemonte, Annone), Giunco annuale (Italia), Giunco bufonio (Italia), Pej d' babi (Piemonte, Annone).