Mauna Loa Beggarticks: A Rare Hawaiian Treasure for Your Garden
Meet the Mauna Loa beggarticks (Bidens menziesii), a charming Hawaiian native that’s as rare as it is beautiful. Known locally as ko`oko`olau, this delightful perennial shrub brings a touch of authentic island paradise to gardens lucky enough to host it. But before you start planning where to plant it, there’s something important you need to know about this special species.
A Plant Worth Protecting
Here’s the thing about Mauna Loa beggarticks – it’s currently listed with a Global Conservation Status of S2, which means it’s imperiled. With typically only 6 to 20 occurrences remaining and fewer than 1,000 to 3,000 individual plants in the wild, this beauty is hanging on by a thread. If you’re considering adding it to your garden, please make sure you source it responsibly from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate from ethical stock.
Where in the World
This Hawaiian endemic calls the volcanic slopes and dry forests of the islands home, thriving in the unique conditions that only Hawaii can provide. You won’t find this plant growing naturally anywhere else on Earth – it’s a true island original.
What Makes It Special
Mauna Loa beggarticks is a multi-stemmed woody perennial shrub that typically stays under 13-16 feet tall, though it can occasionally stretch taller or develop a single stem depending on growing conditions. What really catches the eye are its cheerful yellow, daisy-like flowers that seem to smile at you from the garden. The blooms are perfectly sized to attract native Hawaiian insects and some introduced pollinators, making it a valuable addition to any pollinator-friendly landscape.
Perfect Garden Partners
This drought-tolerant beauty shines brightest in:
- Native Hawaiian garden designs
- Xeriscaping projects
- Rock gardens with excellent drainage
- Specimen plantings where its unique character can be appreciated
Growing Your Own Piece of Paradise
If you’re fortunate enough to obtain responsibly sourced Mauna Loa beggarticks, here’s how to keep it happy:
Climate Needs: This tropical native thrives in USDA hardiness zones 10-12, so it’s really only suitable for the warmest parts of the mainland US, Hawaii, or greenhouse cultivation.
Light and Location: Give it full sun to partial shade – it’s not too picky as long as it gets plenty of bright light.
Soil Requirements: The secret to success is drainage, drainage, drainage! This plant evolved on volcanic slopes, so it needs well-draining soil that never stays soggy. Think rocky, sandy, or volcanic soils that dry out between waterings.
Watering Wisdom: Once established, this drought-tolerant trooper needs minimal water. Overwatering is more likely to kill it than underwatering, so err on the dry side.
Wind Protection: While it’s tough, strong winds can damage the stems, so consider planting it in a somewhat sheltered location.
A Living Legacy
Growing Mauna Loa beggarticks isn’t just about adding another pretty plant to your garden – it’s about participating in conservation. Every responsibly grown specimen helps ensure this rare Hawaiian treasure doesn’t disappear forever. Just remember, with great beauty comes great responsibility. If you’re lucky enough to grow this special plant, consider yourself a guardian of Hawaiian natural heritage.
Whether you’re creating an authentic Hawaiian landscape or simply want to grow something truly unique, Mauna Loa beggarticks offers both beauty and meaning. Just make sure you’re doing your part to help this rare species thrive for future generations to enjoy.
