Forest False Ohelo: A Vulnerable Hawaiian Native Worth Protecting
If you’re passionate about Hawaiian native plants and conservation gardening, forest false ohelo might just capture your heart. This unassuming shrub may not win any flashy flower contests, but it holds a special place in Hawaii’s natural heritage—and unfortunately, it needs our help to survive.
What Is Forest False Ohelo?
Forest false ohelo (Wikstroemia furcata) is a perennial shrub native exclusively to the Hawaiian Islands. As its name suggests, this plant typically grows in forested areas and is part of the diverse family of plants that make Hawaii’s ecosystems so unique. Like many Hawaiian natives, it’s a multi-stemmed woody shrub that usually stays under 13-16 feet tall, though it can occasionally grow taller in ideal conditions.
Where Does It Grow?
This special plant is found only in Hawaii, making it what botanists call an endemic species. You won’t find forest false ohelo growing wild anywhere else in the world—not in California, not in Florida, nowhere but the Hawaiian Islands.
Why This Plant Needs Your Attention
Here’s the important part: forest false ohelo is considered vulnerable to extinction. It has a Global Conservation Status of S3, which means it’s at risk due to its rarity and limited range. Scientists estimate there are only between 3,000 and 10,000 individual plants left in the wild, scattered across just 21 to 100 known locations.
This makes forest false ohelo a plant that deserves special consideration from conservation-minded gardeners.
Should You Grow Forest False Ohelo?
If you live in Hawaii and want to support native plant conservation, forest false ohelo can be a meaningful addition to your garden—but only if you source it responsibly. Never collect plants from the wild, as this could further threaten wild populations. Instead, look for nurseries that specialize in Hawaiian native plants and can provide ethically propagated specimens.
Garden Design and Landscape Role
Forest false ohelo works beautifully in:
- Native Hawaiian plant gardens
- Conservation and restoration landscapes
- Drought-tolerant garden designs
- Educational gardens focused on endemic species
While it may not be the showiest plant in your garden, it serves as a living piece of Hawaiian natural history and can be a conversation starter about conservation.
Growing Conditions and Care
Since forest false ohelo evolved in Hawaiian forest conditions, it likely prefers:
- Well-draining soil
- Partial shade to filtered sunlight
- Protection from strong winds
- Moderate watering (avoid overwatering)
This plant is only suitable for tropical and subtropical climates, specifically USDA hardiness zones 10-11. If you don’t live in Hawaii or similar climate zones, this isn’t the plant for you.
The Conservation Connection
By choosing to grow forest false ohelo responsibly, you’re participating in something bigger than gardening—you’re helping preserve a piece of Hawaii’s irreplaceable natural heritage. Every plant grown in cultivation creates a backup population and reduces pressure on wild specimens.
Remember, the key is responsible sourcing. Work with reputable native plant nurseries, never collect from the wild, and consider your garden a small but important ark for Hawaiian biodiversity.
Is Forest False Ohelo Right for Your Garden?
Choose forest false ohelo if you:
- Live in Hawaii or a similar tropical climate
- Want to support native plant conservation
- Appreciate the subtle beauty of endemic species
- Can source plants ethically from reputable nurseries
Skip it if you:
- Live outside tropical zones (it simply won’t survive)
- Want immediate, showy garden impact
- Can’t find responsibly sourced plants
Forest false ohelo may be small and unassuming, but in a world where Hawaiian native plants face increasing pressure, every garden that provides a safe haven makes a difference. Sometimes the most important plants aren’t the prettiest ones—they’re the ones that need us most.
