SafePlants

Hawai'i Silversword (Argyroxiphium sandwicense)

The Hawai'i silversword, a striking and rare plant, is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It is known for its unique appearance and adaptation to the harsh high-altitude environments of the islands.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• Silverswords have silvery leaves arranged in a ball-shaped rosette.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Argyroxiphium sandwicense DC.
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Subspecies
• Synonym: Argyroxiphium macrocephalum A. Gray
• Common Names: Hawai'i silversword, `ahinahina, Mauna Kea silversword

Distribution and Habitat

• The silversword is native to the islands of Maui and Hawai'i.
• It grows at high altitudes, typically above 6000 feet.
• Specific locations include the slopes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island, and Haleakal? on Maui.
• They can be found in diverse terrestrial habitats, from wet and dry forests to alpine shrublands.

Ecological Role

• The silversword is an endangered plant, and its populations have declined significantly.
• Climate change, including hotter temperatures and lower rainfall, poses a threat to its survival.

Morphological Characteristics

• The plant forms a ball-shaped rosette of silvery leaves.
• It sends up a tower of tiny pink flowers when blooming.
• Silverswords can live up to 60 years.

Conservation Efforts

• Researchers at the University of Hawai'i and park staff are actively working to conserve the silversword.
• The State of Hawai'i has outplanted silverswords in exclosures within the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve.
• The Hawai`i Silversword Foundation has reintroduced Mauna Loa silversword seedlings.

Further Information

• Wolfram|Alpha can provide facts and data related to the silversword.
• Dave's Garden offers a community where gardeners can share tips and ideas.