It is native to the southwestern United States, being found in: Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Nebraska.

The Navajo people have used Eriogonum jamesii as an oral contraceptive.

[1] Among the Zuni people, the root is soaked in water and used as a wash for sore eyes.

[2] The root is carried in the mouth for a sore tongue and then buried in a river bottom.

[3] The ground blossom powder is given to ceremonial dancers impersonating anthropic gods to bring rain.