Succeeds in any moderately fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position. The compact silky inflorescence is used in fresh and dried flower arrangements.

The plant has been used extensively for food. No further details are given, but it is likely to be the seed that was eaten.

Seed - sow spring in situ and only just cover the seed.

Damp pastures near the sea in southern England and the Channel Islands. A casual in other parts of the country.