When the leaves of Setaria megaphylla are young and soft they are palatable to grazers. The leaves often remain green late in autumn, but once dry they no longer serve as fodder.

The plant is used as a decorative item in large gardens with shade and moisture.

A related species, S. lindenbergiana has narrower leaves and smaller inflorescences (Lowrey and Wright, 1987; Van Oudtshoorn and Van Wyk, 1991; www.plantzafrica.com).