How to Grow ʻŌkala

ʻŌkala

Dodonaea viscosa subsp. arborescens

shrub

ʻŌkala is a native Hawaiian shrub known for its striking reddish or yellowish winged seed capsules and glossy, sticky foliage. It thrives in dry to mesic conditions and is valued for erosion control, native landscaping, and cultural significance in Hawaiian gardens. The plant is highly adaptable and drought-tolerant once established.

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Example ʻŌkala timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant ʻŌkala
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest ʻŌkala
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact ʻŌkala dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 8+ hours daily; tolerates partial shade but performs best in full sun

💧

Water: Drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during establishment (6-12 months). Reduce watering frequency in mature plants; provide minimal supplemental water except during extended dry periods. Avoid overwatering, which causes root rot.

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Spacing: 36 inches

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Days to maturity: 12-24 months to full landscape size; flowering can begin in 18-30 months

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as container or nursery pot; do not bury stem collar

Soil

Type: Well-draining volcanic or sandy loam soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Volcanic cinder or coarse sand for drainage Aged compost (minimal nitrogen) Basalt rock mulch to retain moisture while improving drainage

Growing Zones

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Thrives in USDA zones 10-11; best suited to Hawaii and tropical climates

10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Establishment

6-12 months

Young transplant with initial foliage development; plant appears compact with minimal branching

Keep soil consistently moist (not wet) for first 6 months. Mulch around base with 2-3 inches of mulch, keeping it away from stem. Install windbreak if in exposed location. Do not fertilize; native shrubs are adapted to poor soils.

Vegetative Growth

6-18 months

Plant develops multiple branches and increases in size; foliage becomes more dense and glossy; sticky compound leaves become prominent

Reduce watering frequency as root system develops. Light pruning to shape can begin. Remove any crossing or damaged branches. Monitor for pests but avoid chemical inputs.

Flowering

Several weeks to months, varies by season and location

Small, inconspicuous greenish or reddish flowers appear in clusters; flowers are wind-pollinated and not showy

Continue drought-tolerant watering regimen. Allow flowering to proceed naturally. Do not deadhead unless removing damaged flower clusters. Maintain shape with light pruning if needed.

Fruiting & Seed Production

3-6 months from flowering to mature seed

Distinctive papery-winged seed capsules develop, ranging from cream to reddish-pink or deep red depending on cultivar and sun exposure; capsules dry and split to release seeds

Allow seed capsules to mature and dry on plant. These ornamental capsules are the plant's main decorative feature. Allow self-seeding if desired, or collect seed for propagation. Water only during severe drought.

Mature Shrub

Ongoing (plant lifespan 30+ years)

Fully developed plant reaching 6-10 feet in height and width; dense, well-branched framework; continuous production of foliage and seed capsules

Minimal supplemental water needed. Prune annually after fruiting season to maintain desired shape and size. Remove any dead wood. Monitor for age-related thinning in center; rejuvenation pruning can revitalize older plants.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

ʻIlima (Sida fallax) Pukiawe (Leptecophylla tameiameiae) Naupaka kahakai (Scaevola sericea) ʻAʻali'i (Dodonaea sandwicensis) Naio (Myoporum sandwicense) Hawaiian heather (Styphelia tameiameiae)

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive non-native invasive species (Fountain grass, Buffelgrass) Plants requiring regular deep watering (tropical fruit trees like mango in dry areas) Dense shade-casting trees that would reduce sunlight

Common Pests

Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap if severe; encourage natural predators; avoid chemical pesticides that harm native insects
Hand-remove or prune affected branches; horticultural oil spray in dormant season; maintain plant vigor through proper watering
Increase humidity with occasional misting; strong water spray; encourage native predatory mites; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; isolate affected plants; neem oil as last resort; encourage beneficial insects

Uses

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Traditional Hawaiian food uses

Culinary

ʻŌkala seeds were historically used by Native Hawaiians as a seasoning or condiment; the reddish fruit capsules have minor culinary significance in traditional practices. [source]

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Traditional Hawaiian medicine

Medicinal

ʻŌkala has been traditionally used in Hawaiian healing practices (lomilomi and lapaʻau) for various preparations and remedies, though modern scientific validation is limited. [source]

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Ornamental landscaping and xeriscape design

Household

The striking reddish or golden seed capsules make ʻŌkala a standout ornamental plant in native Hawaiian gardens, dry landscapes, and sustainable xeriscaping. Used extensively in native plant restoration and Hawaiian cultural landscape design. [source]

🎨

Floral arrangements and lei

Craft

The decorative seed capsules are used in Hawaiian lei-making, dried floral arrangements, and cultural craft projects. Branches with mature capsules are prized for adding texture and color to traditional and contemporary arrangements. [source]

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Erosion control and native habitat restoration

Wildlife

ʻŌkala is extensively used in Hawaiian native plant restoration, erosion control on slopes, and reforestation projects. It provides food and habitat for native Hawaiian insects, birds, and pollinators while stabilizing degraded landscapes. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest mature seed capsules when they turn tan or reddish and feel papery dry (typically 4-6 months after flowering). Cut entire branch clusters and dry indoors to fully mature. Seeds can be collected by gently crushing dried capsules and winnowing chaff. For ornamental use, leave capsules on plant for visual display; they provide color from summer through winter. Prune branches for arrangement by cutting in early morning when capsules are fully mature.

Fun Facts

🌱 The name 'ʻōkala' comes from Hawaiian and refers to the sharp, thorny appearance of the plant's seed capsules when immature; 'ō' means sharp or pungent.
🌱 ʻŌkala is found throughout Hawaii at various elevations (sea level to over 6,000 feet) and has adapted to extremely dry environments where annual rainfall may be less than 10 inches.
🌱 The sticky, resinous foliage (viscosa = sticky/viscous) contains aromatic oils and was historically used as a natural adhesive and in traditional Hawaiian dyes and preparations.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Thinning Transplant

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