Uses include firewood and wood for carving handicrafts. The attractive flowers are used to decorate homes and churches in Central America. In Central America, a highly intoxicating drink is made from the tree. The tree is grown as an ornamental tree in Florida, Hawaii, and coastal Southern California.

It is a deciduous tree and will lose its leaves in the winter. It should be kept a little dry at this time. In the spring, summer and early autumn you should increase the water.

Plant in full to partial sun and irrigate regularly when in leaf, especially if growing in a container. It is fairly drought tolerant where one can grow it in the ground but is sensitive to cold so this can only be done in near frost-free climates.

Shaving brush trees are caudex-forming plants, and they can be grown in the form of bonsai. The shaving brush tree prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It thrives in average room temperatures and appreciates moderate to high humidity levels.