This species is the only native species of gramma grass that grows outside the western U.S. and is transcontinental. The greens of this plant were eaten by Natives and early settlers alike. Despite reports to the contrary, it is native to North America. Leaves, roots, and shoots of this genus are edible. The early leaves are eaten raw.
Some species have medicinal use as herbal teas.
The flowers were used by Ojibwa peoples in smoking, as hawthorn. Shoots, rootstock and fruits of this plant were eaten by southeastern groups. Its roots have medicinal uses. Morningglory roots were eaten in times of famine. The roots also have medicinal uses.