Status:
valid
Authors:
DC.
Source:
gcc
Year:
1836
Citation Micro:
Prodr. 5: 668 (1836)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000083842
Common Names
- Argyroxiphium
- Silversword
- Hawaiian Silversword
Synonyms
- Argyroxiphium sandwicense sandwicense [unknown]
Description
Argyroxiphium sandwicense (also called 'Silversword', 'Ahinahina', and 'Mauna Kea Silversword', among many other common names) is an endangered species of flowering plant native to Hawaii. It has a rosette of silvery-green leaves and grows to a height of 1-2 m. It has yellow flowers and grows in dry, rocky, and volcanic areas.
Uses & Benefits
Argyroxiphium sandwicense is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and is known for its drought tolerance. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Argyroxiphium sandwicense sub. sandwicense
Argyroxiphium sandwicense sub. macrocephalum (A.Gray) Meyrat
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Argyroxiphium sandwicense is a small, white, daisy-like flower with yellow centers. The seed is a small, black, oval-shaped seed. The seedlings are small, with thin, light green leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Argyroxiphium sandwicense is a perennial shrub that is native to Hawaii. It is easy to propagate from cuttings. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to -10°F. To propagate, take 4-6 inch cuttings from the tips of the plant in late spring or early summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a pot filled with a mixture of sand and peat moss. Keep the soil moist and the cuttings should root in 4-6 weeks.
Where to Find Argyroxiphium sandwicense
Argyroxiphium sandwicense is native to the Hawaiian Islands. It can be found in high-altitude shrublands and grasslands.
Argyroxiphium sandwicense FAQ
What are the growing conditions for Argyroxiphium sandwicense?
Argyroxiphium sandwicense prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate some shade.
What is the best way to propagate Argyroxiphium sandwicense?
The best way to propagate Argyroxiphium sandwicense is by division or cuttings.
What pests and diseases affect Argyroxiphium sandwicense?
Argyroxiphium sandwicense is generally pest and disease free, but can be susceptible to powdery mildew and aphids.
Species in the Argyroxiphium genus
Species in the Asteraceae family
Aaronsohnia pubescens,
Aaronsohnia factorovskyi,
Abrotanella filiformis,
Abrotanella rostrata,
Abrotanella linearis,
Abrotanella trilobata,
Abrotanella muscosa,
Abrotanella inconspicua,
Abrotanella trichoachaenia,
Abrotanella caespitosa,
Abrotanella nivigena,
Abrotanella pusilla,
Abrotanella linearifolia,
Abrotanella papuana,
Abrotanella rosulata,
Abrotanella emarginata,
Abrotanella fertilis,
Abrotanella spathulata,
Abrotanella purpurea,
Abrotanella patearoa,
Abrotanella submarginata,
Abrotanella diemii,
Abrotanella scapigera,
Abrotanella forsterioides,
Acamptopappus shockleyi,
Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus,
Acanthocephalus benthamianus,
Acanthocephalus amplexifolius,
Acanthocladium dockeri,
Acanthodesmos distichus,
Acanthodesmos gibarensis,
Acanthospermum humile,
Acanthospermum consobrinum,
Acanthospermum glabratum,
Acanthospermum microcarpum,
Acanthospermum hispidum,
Acanthospermum australe,
Acanthospermum lecocarpoides,
Acanthostyles buniifolius,
Acanthostyles saucechicoensis,
Achillea buiana,
Achillea conrathii,
Achillea cucullata,
Achillea styriaca,
Achillea clavennae,
Achillea cappadocica,
Achillea huber-morathii,
Achillea ptarmicoides,
Achillea sieheana,
Achillea barrelieri,