Native American tribes (especially the Cherokee) used the bulbs of the Prairie Onion as a treatment for croup, colic, colds and fevers. Following a dose of Horsemint tea, the juice of the Prairie Onion was taken for kidney stones and dropsy. Poultices of this species were often applied as a treatment for respiratory disorders by early settlers. Most of the medicinal effects of the Prairie Onion are similar to, but not as strong as its cousin, Wild Garlic.

Edible Uses:
Bulb: Raw or cooked. The bulbs are eaten by the N. American Indians. They are rather small, about 4cm tall and 15mm wide.
Leaves: Raw or cooked.
Flowers: Raw - Used as a garnish on salads.

Medicinal Uses:
A sweetened decoction of the root has been taken, mainly by children, as a remedy for colds. Although no other specific mention of medicinal uses has been seen for this species, members of this genus are in general very healthy additions to the diet. They contain sulphur compounds (which give them their onion flavour) and when added to the diet on a regular basis they help reduce blood cholesterol levels, act as a tonic to the digestive system and also tonify the circulatory system.

Other Uses:
The juice of the plant is used as a moth repellent. The whole plant is said to repel insects and moles.