It is native to Europe and western Asia where it grows in a variety of habitats ranging from semi-arid Mediterranean woodlands to wetter situations.

[3] Pulicaria dysenterica is perennial and can form dense clusters of plants, spreading by its roots.

[4] Leaves are alternately arranged and clasp the stem, which itself contains a salty-astringent liquid.

[5] Common fleabane is the main food plant for the fleabane tortoise beetle (Cassida murraea),[6] and for four micromoths, Apodia bifractella,[7] Ptocheuusa paupella,[8] dusky plume (Oidaematophorus lithodactyla)[9] and Digitivalva pulicariae.

[5] Other past uses include treatments for dysentery and unspecified ocular maladies.