Artemisia mauiensis
Genus
Artemisia
Species
mauiensis
Hawaiian Names with Diacritics
- Hinahina
- ʻĀhinahina
Hawaiian Names
- Ahinahina
- Hinahina
Common Names
- Maui wormwood
Synonyms
- Artemisia australis var. mauiensis
Names with Unknown Sources
- Maui mugwort
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
No Status
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Non-Woody, Clumping
- Sprawling Shrub
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Shrub, Dwarf, Less than 2
- Shrub, Small, 2 to 6
Mature Size, Width
Does not get as tall as another native hinahina (Artemisia australis) but grows as wide, 4 to 5 feet.
Life Span
Long lived (Greater than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Accent
- Container
- Specimen Plant
Additional Landscape Use Information
In the landscape, use in place of Dusty Miller for native Hawaiian gardens. Grown for interesting foliage, since flowers are not all that noticeable. Can hybridize with A. australis.
This is a great accent plant mixed with ʻākia, pili, kuluī or just planted en masss. [Ethan Romanchak, Native Nursery, LLC]
Source of Fragrance
- Leaves
Additional Fragrance Information
Faintly aromatic. Foliage has a sagebrush/wormwood smell. [Ethan Romanchak, Native Nursery, LLC]
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
- Cream
Plant texture
- Fine
Additional Plant Texture Information
Leaves range between 1 and 2 inches long and is more finely divided than that of A. australis, almost feather-like.
Leaf Colors
- Gray / Silverish
Additional Leaf Color Information
The spectacular silvery tomentose (fuzzy) foliage is the main feature of this plant.
Additional Pest & Disease Information
Spittlebug, scale. [Ethan Romanchak, Native Nursery, LLC]
Fertilizer
Too much fertilizer will decrease silvery color.
Pruning Information
Pruning is not needed and naturally makes a low mounded shrub. [Ethan Romanchak, Native Nursery, LLC] However, flower buds can be removed unless seeds are wanted and will respond favorably to shaping if desired.
Water Requirements
- Dry
Additional Water Information
After established, watering is only necessary during prolonged drought. Medium or low water needs and best with no overhead irrigation. [Ethan Romanchak, Native Nursery, LLC] Overwatering will decrease silvery color. Dry out soil between waterings.
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
- Partial sun
Additional Lighting Information
Full sun brings out desirable qualities such as silvery color. Best planted on a south facing or steep slope. [Ethan Romanchak, Native Nursery, LLC]
Tolerances
- Drought
- Wind
- Heat
Soils
- Sand
- Cinder
Limitations
Has a medium drought tolerance after established. No tolerance to waterlogging or salt spray. [Ethan Romanchak, Native Nursery, LLC]
In pots, hinahina is a very thirsty plant. [Native Nursery, LLC]
Natural Range
- Maui
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
No data available.
Habitat
- Terrestrial
Additional Habitat Information
This hinahina is naturally found at 6200 to 7500 ft. but will grow in very low elevation gardens. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Mid or high elevations are best. [Ethan Romanchak, Native Nursery, LLC]
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 specific epithet mauiensis is in reference to the island of Maui, where this species is endemic.
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.
Background Information
Early Hawaiian Use
Clothing (Royalty):
Early Hawaiians used hinahina to preserve feather cloaks from insect destruction when stored in calabashes.
Medicinal:
The leaves were pounded for asthma.
Modern Use
Potential modern 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)
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%20mauiensis
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