Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum

          Haleakala Silversword

Argyroxiphium-sandwicense-subsp.-macrocephalum

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Horticultural Notes

clumps to 30″ across with flowers spikes to 4′ or more          Silversword are clumping perennials with rosettes of long, silvery leaves that have a shallow root system and are very sensitive to damage.  In the past goats and pigs not only devoured the leaves but injured the roots while browsing.  The leaves store water for long periods.  A tall, stunning flower spike appears after many years, 15 – 50, and then the plant dies.