Artemisia australis
Genus
Artemisia
Species
australis
Hawaiian Names with Diacritics
- Hinahina
- Hinahina kuahiwi
- ʻĀhinahina
Hawaiian Names
- Ahinahina
- Hinahina
- Hinahina kuahiwi
Common Names
- Oʻahu wormwood
Synonyms
- Artemisia eschscholtziana
- Artemisia hillebrandii
- Artemisia microcephala
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
No Status
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Non-Woody, Clumping
- Sprawling Shrub
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Shrub, Small, 2 to 6
- Shrub, Medium, 6 to 10
Mature Size, Width
4 to 5 feet width.
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Accent
- Container
- Hedges
- Specimen Plant
Additional Landscape Use Information
There are distinct forms based on different leaf shapes. This species can hybridize with A. mauiensis.
For native Hawaiian gardens, use hinahina in place of Dusty Miller (Senecio cineraria).
Source of Fragrance
- Leaves
Additional Fragrance Information
Faintly to strongly aromatic with a sage-type or anise fragrance. Another description of the leaf fragrance is lychee. Leaves have an especially strong fragrance when rubbed or crushed.
It has also been described as having a faint to strongly aromatic of sage or anise fragrance. But upon sampling the raw leaves of this plant you will likely spit it out straight away! How apropos the name "worm" or "bitter" wood [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Type
Not Showy
Flower Colors
- Brownish
- Yellow
Plant texture
- Medium
Additional Plant Texture Information
Leaves range between 1 and 3 inches and are finely divided foliage but not quite feathery. Grown for interesting silvery foliage.
Leaf Colors
- Gray / Silverish
- Light Green
Additional Leaf Color Information
Leaf bottom is more silvery than top of leaf.
Additional Pest & Disease Information
Spittle bugs.
Pruning Information
Can be kept shorter with regular pruning, but not smaller than 2 feet at maturity. Responds favorably to shaping.
Water Requirements
- Dry
Additional Water Information
Overwatering will decrease silvery color. Watering is only necessary during prolonged drought. Allow to dry out between watering.
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
- Partial sun
Additional Lighting Information
Grow in full sun to bring out the desirable silver foliage.
Tolerances
- Drought
- Wind
- Salt Spray
- Heat
Soils
- Sand
- Cinder
Natural Range
- Niʻihau
- Kauaʻi
- Oʻahu
- Molokaʻi
- Lānaʻi
- Maui
- Kahoʻolawe
- Hawaiʻi
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- Less than 150, 0 to 50 (Dry)
- 150 to 1000, 0 to 50 (Dry)
- 1000 to 1999, 0 to 50 (Dry)
- 2000 to 2999, 0 to 50 (Dry)
- 3000 to 3999, 0 to 50 (Dry)
Additional Habitat Information
Of the three native Hawaiian Artemisia species, this one A. australis is the most widespread being found on all of the main islands. Mostly seen growing on windward sides of exposed cliffs.
Special Features and Information
General Information
Hinahina (Artemisia spp.) belong the Aster or Sunflower family (Asteraceae). There are three native species of Artemisia endemic to the Hawaiian Islands: A. australis is found on the all the main islands; A. kauaiensis on Kauaʻi; and A. mauiensis on Haleakalā, Maui.
The genus Artemisia includes notables such as Absinth wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) used to infuse vermouth and absinthe; tarragon (A. dracunculus) used in cuisine; and several species of the ubiquitous sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) of the picturesque American west. [1] In Korean cooking, the common mugwort (A. vulgaris) is used to flavor sook-dok (rice cakes), soups and other dishes. [2]
Etymology
The genus name Artemisia is derived from Artemis, Greek goddess of the hunt, wife of King Mausolus.
The Latin specific epithet australis, southern, is in reference to the southern island continent originally known as Terra Australis, and now Australia.
Hawaiian Names:
The Hawaiian name hinahina means gray or grayish; ʻāhinahina, from ʻāhina, is gray, gray- or white-haired in reference to the plant color. The added kuahiwi means mountain, referring to it's mountain habitat.
Background Information
Early Hawaiian Use
Clothing (Royalty):
Early Hawaiians used hinahina to preserve feather cloaks from insect destruction when stored in calabashes (ʻumeke).
Medicinal:
The leaves were pounded for lung problems, asthma and pulmonary consumption without phelgm. Leaves, stalks and roots with other ingredients were pounded and used in a steam bath to treat high fevers. [3]
Modern Use
Potential use for lei or flower arrangements.
Additional References
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemisia_(plant) [accessed 12/1/08]
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mugwort [accessed 12/1/08]
[3] "Hawaiian Herbs of Medicinal Value" by D.M. Kaaiakamanu & J.K. Akina, page 7.
PHOTOS FOR THIS SPECIES CAN BE SEEN AT THE LINK (Copy & Paste to your browser):
https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=50823119%40N08&sort=date-taken-desc&view_all=1&text=Artemisia%20australis
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