[1] The center of distribution of H. murinum is in the Mediterranean area, Central Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa.

It produces small, dry seeds and its leaves can be 8 millimetres (5⁄16 in) wide with short, blunt ligules.

[4] The species uses a greater part of its reproductive resources for seed production, allowing it to adapt to different water conditions.

[5] This helps to obtain ideal and sustainable forage and seed yield in rangelands of Jordan.

[8] This subspecies grows in tufts from 10 to 40 cm (4 to 16 in) in height,[8][9] and its flowers are attached to branches rather than to the main axis.

[citation needed] It is native to the Mediterranean region near continental, oceanic, and colder climates,[1] as well as northern Africa and temperate Asia, and it is widely naturalised elsewhere.

In 1882 it was redescribed as a subspecies of H. murinum by Giovanni Arcangeli, though today some authorities maintain it at the species level.

[10] Although H. murinum is considered a difficult weed in cereal crop fields,[4] it is useful for feeding grazing animals.

[3] In England in the late 20th century among children the plant was referred to colloquially as the 'Flea Dart', from the aerodynamic shape of its seedhead, and the aphids that are often present within it in its immature state.

[11] In China the subspecies leporinum is a common ingredient in the spring Qingming Festival snack qīngtuán.