Hawai’i Desert-thorn

Hawai’i Desert-Thorn: A Resilient Native Gem for Your Hawaiian Garden

If you’re looking to add some authentic Hawaiian flair to your landscape while supporting native biodiversity, meet the Hawai’i desert-thorn (Lycium sandwicense). This scrappy little shrub might not win any beauty contests at first glance, but don’t let its thorny exterior fool you – it’s a true survivor with some seriously charming qualities that make it a fantastic choice for the right garden setting.

What Is Hawai’i Desert-Thorn?

Hawai’i desert-thorn is a perennial shrub that’s as Hawaiian as it gets – it’s found nowhere else in the world except right here in the islands. This multi-stemmed woody plant typically grows to about 1-3 feet tall, though it can occasionally reach up to 13 feet under ideal conditions. Don’t worry about it taking over your garden quickly though; it has a moderate growth rate and a relatively short lifespan for a woody plant.

The plant produces small white flowers during summer that give way to bright red berries, creating a lovely contrast against its green, somewhat coarse-textured foliage. And yes, those thorns are real – this isn’t called desert-thorn for nothing!

Where Does It Grow?

This hardy native is found exclusively in Hawaii, scattered across multiple islands where it has adapted to some pretty tough conditions. You’ll typically find it in dry, coastal areas and upland regions where many other plants struggle to survive.

Important Conservation Note

Here’s something crucial to know: Hawai’i desert-thorn has a Global Conservation Status of S3, meaning it’s considered vulnerable. With only an estimated 3,000 to 10,000 individuals remaining in the wild, this plant needs our help. If you’re interested in growing it, please make sure you source your plants responsibly from reputable native plant nurseries – never collect from wild populations.

Why Grow Hawai’i Desert-Thorn?

Despite its vulnerable status (or perhaps because of it), there are compelling reasons to include this native in your landscape:

• Drought Champion: Once established, this plant laughs in the face of dry conditions
• Low Maintenance: Perfect for gardeners who want native beauty without constant fussing
• Unique Character: Those thorns and berries add interesting texture and seasonal interest
• Native Pollinator Support: The white flowers attract native Hawaiian insects
• Salt Tolerant: Great for coastal properties where salt spray is an issue
• Year-Round Interest: Active growth and fruiting throughout the year

Perfect Garden Settings

Hawai’i desert-thorn shines in:

• Xeriscaped or drought-tolerant gardens
• Native Hawaiian plant collections
• Coastal landscapes
• Rock gardens or areas with poor soil
• Natural barriers (thanks to those thorns!)
• Areas where you want low-maintenance, authentic Hawaiian character

Growing Conditions and Care

The good news? This plant is pretty easygoing once you understand its preferences:

Climate: USDA Zone 11 only – this tropical native needs frost-free conditions year-round (minimum temperature around 40°F)

Sunlight: Intermediate shade tolerance means it can handle full sun to partial shade, making it quite versatile

Water: Medium drought tolerance with medium moisture use – water regularly when establishing, then back off once it’s settled in

Soil: Here’s where it gets interesting – while the data suggests it’s not particularly adapted to coarse, fine, or medium textured soils, it does well in well-draining conditions. It can handle pH from 5.8 to 7.2 and has high salinity tolerance

Rainfall: Thrives with 10-50 inches of annual precipitation

Planting and Propagation Tips

The plant is routinely available from specialty native plant nurseries (hooray!). You can propagate it through:

• Bare root plants
• Cuttings (the most common method)

Interestingly, while the plant produces medium amounts of fruit and seed year-round, seed propagation isn’t typically recommended – stick with cuttings or nursery plants.

Plant spacing should be about 320-1,280 plants per acre if you’re doing a larger installation, though most home gardeners will want just one or a few specimens.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

Once established, Hawai’i desert-thorn is refreshingly low-maintenance:

• Water occasionally during dry spells, but don’t overdo it
• Prune carefully (watch those thorns!) to maintain shape if desired
• No fertilizer needed in most situations
• Watch for the lovely red berries that persist on the plant
• Be patient – it has moderate vegetative and seed spread rates

A Few Considerations

Before you fall head-over-heels for this native beauty, keep in mind:

• Those thorns are real and sharp – not ideal near walkways or play areas
• It’s not fire-resistant, so consider placement in fire-prone areas
• The foliage is porous year-round, so don’t expect dense screening
• Short lifespan means you may need to replant eventually
• Limited to Hawaii’s tropical climate – won’t survive elsewhere

The Bottom Line

Hawai’i desert-thorn is a fantastic choice for Hawaiian gardeners who want to support native biodiversity while enjoying a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant with unique character. Its vulnerable conservation status makes growing it even more meaningful – you’ll be helping preserve a piece of Hawaii’s natural heritage right in your own backyard.

Just remember to source your plants responsibly and embrace both the thorns and the beauty of this remarkable Hawaiian native. Your local pollinators (and the plant’s long-term survival) will thank you for it!