Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil. Grows well in light moist woodland, where the plant forms large clumps and can become invasive. It is probably best grown in the wild garden. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c. The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply. The leaves die down in early summer before the flowers have fully opened. Grows well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beet and chamomile, but it inhibits the growth of legumes. This plant is a bad companion for alfalfa, each species negatively affecting the other. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.

Bulb - raw or cooked. Used mainly as a flavoring in salads and savoury dishes. This is one of the best N. American wild species for sweetness and flavor. A mild sweet flavor, resembling leeks. The bulb is rather small, it is up to 12mm wide and 50mm tall and is produced in clusters on a rhizome. Leaves - raw or cooked. The unfolding leaves in spring have a mild sweet flavor, resembling leeks. Flowers - raw. Used as a garnish on salads. A hot onion flavor.

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates within 12 months, but only makes a root and a small bulb in its first year of growth. Top growth is not produced until the second spring. It is quite possible that if the seed can be sown when it is ripe in early summer, or in the autumn, then this will speed up germination times. Sow the seed thinly in the pots so that the young seedlings can be allowed to grow on undisturbed for their first two years. Apply a liquid feed once a month during the growing season to ensure they do not suffer from mineral deficiency. When the plants are dormant at the end of their second years growth, divide them so that there are 2 - 3 small bulbs in each pot. Grow them on for a further year in the greenhouse and then plant them out when they are dormant. Division in spring. Very easy, the divisions can be planted straight out into their permanent positions if required.

Rich woods and bottoms, preferring slopes and streamsides. Usually in beech and maple woods.