`Ahinahina Maui

The ʻĀhinahina Maui is related to the famous native silversword plant found only at high altitudes on the slopes of Haleakala on Maui, and on Hawai'i island. It is also related to the sage brush found in North America. It takes its name from its gray color, hinahina in the Hawaiian language. Locally, it is also known as the Maui wormwood due to the bitter taste of its leaves (do not try to eat it!).

The`Ahinahina Maui is a low shrub that grows in clumps. It can reach up to 2' tall covering an area of about 3'. The soft, billowy leaves are feather-like in shape and silvery-gray in color. There is a slight fragrance to this landscape plant. It is not easy to see the cream colored flowers. The `Ahinahina is easy to propagate from fallen seed.

The plant thrives in dry and sunny climates. It is drought tolerant, but needs good drainage to prevent root rot.

Traditional Cultural and Medicinal Usages

• `Ahinahina leaves were used by early Hawaiians in the treatment of asthma
• The young leaves and spikes were woven within haku lei
• Natural insect repellent