The nameCerastium lineareAll. was published by Allioni in 1785. A specimen belonging to Bellardi's collection, preserved in TO, is here proposed as lectotype. Remarks on the identification of thelocus classicusare also given. Some aspects of hairs, capsules and seeds seem to show that this diploid, endemic to the Western Alps, is related to theCerastium alpinumL. group. A detailed description, a new iconography, and information on its ecology and distribution are also provided.