How to Grow Native 'ōhi'a
Native 'ōhi'a
Metrosideros polymorpha
tree'Ōhi'a is a native Hawaiian tree that dominates Hawaiian forests and is culturally significant to the Hawaiian people. It produces vibrant red, orange, or yellow flowers and grows as both a small shrub and a large canopy tree depending on environmental conditions. The tree is known for its remarkable ability to colonize lava flows and poor soils.
When should you plant Native 'ōhi'a in your zone?
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Example Native 'ōhi'a timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Native 'ōhi'a
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Native 'ōhi'a
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Native 'ōhi'a dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10b-12 (Hawaii and tropical regions); frost-tender below 30°F
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Get my Native 'ōhi'a timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
4-8 weeksSmall tender seedlings with soft leaves, typically 2-4 inches tall with the first true leaves appearing
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright, indirect light. Protect from strong winds and direct harsh sunlight.
Young Growth
2-4 monthsPlant develops a more robust root system and reaches 6-18 inches in height; leaves become more leathery
Continue regular watering. Begin hardening off if container-grown. Protect from frost. Avoid fertilizing unless soil is very poor.
Establishment
6-12 monthsTree reaches 2-4 feet tall with stronger branching structure; developing a characteristic form
Reduce watering frequency as roots establish. Provide light pruning to encourage branching. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Maturation
3-5+ years to reach flowering sizeTree reaches full size (10-50 feet depending on elevation and variety) and begins flowering; dense branching
Minimal intervention needed. Monitor for pests. Prune only to shape or remove dead wood. Mature trees are largely self-sufficient.
Flowering & Fruiting
Seasonal, typically winter-spring flowering; fruiting continues year-round in some climatesProduces abundant clusters of 1-1.5 inch flowers (typically red, but also orange or yellow) followed by small woody capsules containing winged seeds
No special care required. Allow flowers to develop naturally. Seeds mature and disperse in 2-3 months; collect seeds if propagation desired.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor for early infestation. Remove by hand or prune affected branches. Use neem oil or horticultural oil spray in severe cases; organic management preferred for native plants.
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No chemical cure; focus on prevention through proper air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and removing infected leaves. Plant in well-draining sites with good air flow.
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and
(Tortricidae family)
Hand-pick affected leaves or caterpillars. Encourage native predators and parasitoid wasps. Organic Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray if needed.
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Hand-pick during early morning hours. Use pheromone traps away from the tree. Avoid pesticides harmful to native pollinators.
Uses
Honey Production
Culinary'Ōhi'a flowers are an important nectar source for native Hawaiian bees and are used to produce distinctive 'ōhi'a honey, known for its unique flavor and medicinal properties. [source]
Traditional Hawaiian Medicine
MedicinalAll parts of the 'ōhi'a tree (bark, leaves, flowers) have been used in traditional Hawaiian lomilomi and herbal remedies for fever reduction, immune support, and respiratory health. [source]
Wood for Tools and Canoes
Household'Ōhi'a wood is extremely hard and durable, traditionally used to make 'ōhi'a wood spears, club handles (leiomano), and whaleboats. Modern woodturners prize it for fine crafts. [source]
Critical Native Bird Habitat
Wildlife'Ōhi'a forests support endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper birds like the 'i'iwi, 'amakihi, and 'apapane, which depend on its nectar and insects for survival. [source]
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
Craft'Ōhi'a is sacred to Pele (volcano goddess) in Hawaiian culture and is central to forest restoration and cultural preservation efforts throughout the Hawaiian Islands. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Seeds mature 2-3 months after flowering. Collect seed capsules when they begin to brown and dry. Extract winged seeds and store in cool, dry conditions. No timber or fruit harvest typical for cultural/ecological conservation purposes.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 'Ōhi'a is one of the first native plants to colonize new lava flows, often within weeks, and can establish forests on completely barren lava fields through a partnership with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
- 🌱 The name 'ōhi'a refers to the tree itself, while its flowers are called 'ōhi'a lehua; 'lehua' specifically means 'flower' and the combination is iconic in Hawaiian hula and traditional culture.
- 🌱 'Ōhi'a exhibits extreme variation in size and form—from low-growing shrubs in windswept high-elevation forests (as small as 3-10 feet) to stately canopy trees reaching 80+ feet in wet lowland forests, all representing the same species adapted to different environments.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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