[1] The unusual appearance of the 'hands' has stimulated cultivation in gardens around the world, primarily in North America where it grows well near its native range.

[1] It is closely related to Fremontodendron, sufficiently to produce an intergeneric hybrid ×Chiranthofremontia lenzii Henrickson, which has yellow flowers and a reduced form of the claw.

The Aztecs and others have used solutions containing the tree's flowers as a remedy for lower abdominal pain[2] and for heart problems.

[3][4] Such solutions also reduce edema and serum cholesterol levels and, because they contain the glycosides quercetin and luteolin, act as diuretics.

[4] In Mexico and part of Central America, the flower is extracted in hot water and taken as tea for these medical purposes.