How to Grow Ohia
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Ohia
Metrosideros polymorpha
treeOhia is a native Hawaiian tree that produces distinctive pompom-like flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, or rarely pink. It is one of Hawaii's most important native trees, serving ecological and cultural purposes. The tree can grow from sea level to high elevations and is a pioneer species that colonizes lava flows.
When should you plant Ohia in your zone?
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Example Ohia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ohia
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 Ohia
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ohia dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 11-12, primarily Hawaii and tropical regions
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Get my Ohia timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-6 monthsSmall tender shoots with opposite, oval leaves. Plant is vulnerable to damping off and herbivory.
Protect from full sun, maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging, provide shelter from wind, exclude feral ungulates
Juvenile
1-2 yearsYoung tree with increasing branch development, growing 1-2 feet per year. Leaves are small and densely arranged.
Gradually increase sun exposure, water regularly during dry periods, remove competing weeds, prune to shape if desired
Vegetative
2-3 yearsEstablished tree with full canopy development, reaching 25-50 feet tall depending on elevation and variety. Leaves remain simple and opposite.
Minimal supplemental watering after establishment, monitor for pests, prune dead branches, allow natural form to develop
Flowering
6-8 weeks, multiple flushes possible per yearTree produces abundant pompom-shaped clusters of stamens (lehua flowers) in red, orange, yellow, or pink. Flowers appear at branch tips.
No special care needed; flowering typically begins 3-5 years after planting, flowers attract native Hawaiian birds
Fruiting & Seeding
Ongoing after flowering ceasesSmall woody capsule fruits develop containing numerous tiny seeds. Fruits mature within several months and release winged seeds.
Allow natural seed dispersal, collect seeds if propagating, protect young seedlings that may germinate naturally
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Currently no cure; remove severely infected trees, maintain tree vigor, promote genetic diversity through planting multiple genetic types, quarantine infected areas
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Sterilize pruning tools between trees, remove infected trees promptly, restrict movement of plant material, monitor for symptoms
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Hand-pick beetles, prune affected foliage, natural predators control populations in Hawaii
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Exclude with fencing, protect seedlings physically, landscape-level management in conservation areas
Uses
Lei and Ceremonial Flowers
CulturalOhia lehua flowers are central to Hawaiian culture and tradition, used in lei-making and ceremonies. The flowers have deep spiritual significance in Hawaiian mythology and are associated with the volcano goddess Pele. [source]
Traditional Woodcraft
HouseholdHistorically, ohia wood was used by Hawaiians for tool-making, fishing implements, and construction due to its strength and hardness. The wood is still valued for cultural artifacts and traditional crafts. [source]
Native Bird Habitat
WildlifeOhia flowers provide essential nectar for native Hawaiian honeycreepers and other endemic birds, supporting critical pollinator relationships and biodiversity. The tree's canopy also provides shelter and nesting sites. [source]
Traditional Hawaiian Medicine
MedicinalVarious parts of ohia have been used in Hawaiian traditional medicine (lapa'au) for treating ailments, though modern clinical research is limited. [source]
Ecosystem Restoration
EcologicalOhia is a pioneer species that colonizes lava flows and disturbed landscapes, making it essential for reforestation and native forest restoration in Hawaii. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Ohia is primarily grown for ornamental, ecological, and cultural purposes rather than harvest. Flowers can be cut for lei and floral arrangements; cut in early morning when flowers are fully open. Seeds can be collected from mature capsules for propagation. Traditional Hawaiian practices involved sustainable harvesting of wood and flowers.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Ohia is one of the first plants to establish on new lava flows in Hawaii, earning it the nickname 'lava tree' and making it a true pioneer species.
- 🌱 The name 'lehua' comes from Hawaiian mythology—according to legend, the goddess Pele transformed a young woman named Ohi'a into the tree and her lover Lehua into the flowers as punishment for their forbidden love.
- 🌱 Ohia occurs naturally only in Hawaii and is incredibly genetically diverse, with populations at different elevations (from sea level to 10,000+ feet) being specifically adapted to their unique environmental conditions.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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