The peoples of North America consider this plant sacred. It plays an important part in purification ceremonies. The leaves are dried and made into braids. Their incense smells like vanilla. It is also brewed as a tea for coughs and sore throat.
Many people make baskets for bread, sewing, storage, etc.
Basketmaking is an important part of cultural heritage. Few baskets are made from sweet grass alone. If they are, they are usually no more than 3 inches in diameter. Baskets are usually made with other ingredients like bulrush, long leaf pine needles and palmetto leaves. To take care of a sweet grass baskets, simply wash in soapy water, rinse in cold and let air dry.