A review of the taxonomy anddistribution of the European species of Damasonium Mill. has been carried out to providebackground information for conservation. Damasonium alisma Mill., D. bourgaei Coss.and D. polyspermum Coss. are recognized as distinct species, and descriptions and a key arepresented. Lectotypes are designated for D. bourgaei and D. polyspermum.Damasonium alisma is the most northerly taxon, predominantly occurring in France and England,but extending eastwards to Russia. Damasonium bourgaei is widespread around the Mediterraneaneastwards at least to India. Damasonium polyspermum occurs mainly in the westernMediterranean.
