Terricolous on acidic soil, on humus and stumps in heathlands and over siliceous rocks, also found on industrial soil contaminated with heavy metals (Pb and Zn).

The following taxa, mainly distinguished by chemical characters, are known from the study area:

subsp. macilenta:

Belgium: Mar.: RRR, Fl.: RR, Camp.: AC, Brab.: RR, Mosan: AR, Ard.: AC, Lorr.: AC.

Luxembourg: Ard.: AR, Lorr.: AR.

France: Mar.: RRR, Boul.: RRR, Ard.: RRR.

subsp. bacillaris (Ach.) Schaer. [C. bacillaris (Ach.) Genth]:

Belgium: Fl.: RR, Camp.: C, Brab.: R, Mosan: R, Ard.: AR, Lorr.: RRR.

Luxembourg: Ard.: RR, Lorr.: RR.

France: - .

Lit.: Boul.: 68, Ca: 178, Mü1: 145, Asperges (1983: 239-260), Asperges (1987: 96, 100).