We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. A potential perennial cereal crop, it is able to survive summer droughts without needing irrigation. Tolerates a pH in the range 5.3 to 7.8. The plant has cleistogamous flowers - these do not open in the usual way but are self-pollinated by the plant. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in a sunny position in most well-drained soils.

Seed - cooked. Used as a piñole.The dried seed can be ground into a powder and mixed with water to make a mush or made into bread. The seed is rather small and fiddly to utilize.

Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ and only just cover. Germination should take place within 2 weeks. If seed is in short supply it can be surface sown in a cold frame in early spring. When large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots and plant them out in early summer. Division in spring. Large clumps can be planted out direct into their permanent positions whilst it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are ready to be planted out.

Various habitats from moist woods to dry open meadows or sagebrush covered hills, sometimes to the timber line. Found naturalized along the Thames at Kew and Oxford.