This species is classified as Least Concern due to its widespread distribution, stable populations and the existing threats are unlikely to cause the species populations to severely decline in the near future.

Isolepis cernua is a subcosmopolite species. Its distribution covers Europe, North Africa, Minor Asia, southern Africa, the Atlantic Islands, Australia and America.
In the Mediterranean it is found in France and Corsica, Spain and Balearic Islands, Greece, Crete, Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, Turkey, Portugal, former Yugoslavia, Cyprus, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and a doubtful presence in Albania. The species is known from numerous localities.

The populations appear to be stable.

This annual plant (Therophyte) develops in humid places, swamps and the banks of streams, at plains and low mountains on acidic soils. Its flowering takes place from spring to the beginning of fall.

The habitat of the species faces pressure from grazing, drainage, water pollution and extension of agriculture.

Isolepis cernua is often used for the control of the erosion of banks and for ornamentation.

There are no conservation measures in place but it is recommended to monitor the existing sites and the population dynamics.