The species is only known from Italy and Sicily, where the area of occupancy is supposed to be very small. More information on the sites is urgently needed as coastal wetlands in Sicily harbour potential threats that could lead to the species decline.

This species is endemic to Italy and Sicily (Euro+Med Plantbase 2009). It has a confirmed presence in Sicily (Conti et al. 2005). It has also been reported as occurring in Calabria, but only data from 1880 for Marina di Madia (Catanzaro Province) is available. The population from Calabria should be considered extinct. The area of occupancy is approximately 16 km² and it is found at four locations.

The species is very rare in Sicily (Giardina et al. 2007) where it is present at seven localities. According to Messina et al. (in press) the species is found at four localities: Lake Gurrida, (close to Mt. Etna), Pantano (Castiglione di Sicilia), Mt. Carcaci and Polizzi Generosa. The total number of individuals is estimated to be less than 10,000.

This species is found in wet muds and shallow temporary pools, as well as springs and river banks near the coast. It belongs to the Coronopo-Sisymbrielletum dentatae association.

The site at Marina di Maida has been lost due to urbanization. No information for three sites in Sicily is available. However, the main threat for the sites at Lake Gurrida is the decline in the quality of the habitat due to agricultural activities.

Sisymbrella aspera is considered Endangered in Sicily and Italy (Conti et al. 1997). Management of the existing sites and research on the populations size and trends as well as potential threats is needed.
The Lake Gurrida site is included in the SCI ITA0070019 "Lago Gurrida e Sciare di S. Venera"and in the Regional Park of the Mt. Etna.