Typically grown in the background of a wildflower garden as its tall flower stalks are only visible in fall. The remainder of the year is looks like a moderate-sized grass.

Fruiting late in the fall, the fruits during the fall add substantial interest to a casual garden.  Baccharis glomerulifolia is similar in appearance and in potential cultural uses. Specimen plant in casual settings.  Also useful as a natural screen or buffer plant. Rain gardens or bioswales. The primary horticultural feature is the silvery, plume-like achenes which appear in the fall on female plants. The fruits can provide a white haze for several weeks in the fall.