Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium var. molokaiense & var. sandwicensium
Asteraceae or Sunflower family [Five-minute families]
Synonyms for var. molokaiense: Gnaphalium sandwicensium var. molokaiense
Synonyms for var. sandwicensium: Gnaphalium sandwicensium, Gnaphalium sandwicensium f. canum, Gnaphalium sandwicensium var. flagellare, Gnaphalium sandwicensium var. lineatum, Gnaphalium sandwicensium f. olivaceum
ʻEnaʻena
Pūheu (on Ni‘ihau)
Cudweed, Hawaiian cudweed, Sandwich Island cudweed
Natural Range & Environment
Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium var. molokaiense is an endangered endemic perennial herb that historically occurred on O‘ahu (last observed in 1980), Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i (recorded once in 1960), and Maui. Today (2021), it can still be found on Moloka‘i and northwestern Maui from near sea level to 152 m (499 ft) in mostly arid sites in sandy soil and on sand dunes, raised limestone plains, and bare clay outcrops [USFWS 2021].
Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium var. sandwicensium is a perennial herb endemic to Kure Atoll (Mokupāpapa), Midway Atoll (Pihemanu), and all the main Hawaiian Islands except Kaho‘olawe. It grows in a wide variety of mostly dry habitats, from sandy shorelines near sea level to lava and cinder fields at subalpine elevations (approx. 3,000 m [9,843 ft]) [Wagner et al. 1990]. It should be noted that while Bishop Museum has herbarium specimens of var. sandwicensium collected from all the main Hawaiian Islands dating back to before 1914 (except for Kaho‘olawe, with no collections, and Ni‘ihau, first collected in 1949), the first collections from Kure Atoll were made in 1961 and from Midway Atoll in 1955 and may represent a human introduction to these islands of either P. sandwicensium var. sandwicensium and/or P. luteoalbum [Forest & Kim Starr, per. comm.].
When Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium var. molokaiense was federally listed as endangered in 2016, there were an estimated 20,000 wild plants on Moloka‘i and fewer than 25 on Maui. Those estimates dropped precipitously in the first 2021 USFWS 5-Year Review to less than 300 wild plants on Moloka‘i and about 20 on Maui. The dramatic and sudden decline is primarily the result of herbivory by introduced axis deer (Axis axis). On Moloka‘i, two populations are now within enclosures, one at Mokio (managed by the Moloka‘i Land Trust) and a second at Moʻomomi (managed by The Nature Conservancy). However, total eradication of the deer from the Moʻomomi enclosure has been difficult. Additionally, much of the former wild population existed outside the two enclosures. A third, smaller, unfenced population within the Kalaupapa National Historical Park is managed by the National Park Service. Lyon Arboretum has over 6,000 seeds from Moloka‘i and nearly 4,000 seeds from Maui in storage. Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, the Plant Extinction Prevention Program, and the National Tropical Botanical Garden also have seeds in storage [USFWS 2021].
Note: Because of their limited and high-elevation geographic ranges, Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium var. hawaiiense and var. kilaueanum are not included on this webpage. Additionally, we have never grown these two varieties.
When small, var. molokaiense (photograph courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr CC BY 3.0) looks much like var. sandwicensium (photograph courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr CC BY 3.0 US). However, as the plants mature, the morphological differences between the wooly and mostly prostrate var. molokaiense (photograph courtesy of Kenneth R. Wood (NTBG) CC BY-NC 4.0) and the greener, more upright var. sandwicensium (photograph courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr CC BY 4.0) become obvious. Header photograph courtesy of Kenneth R. Wood (NTBG) CC BY-NC 4.0.
Visible here are both the yellow flower heads and the tan-colored seed heads of Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium var. molokaiense (photograph courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr CC BY 3.0 US). It may just be my imagination, but cultivated ʻenaʻena, whether in a pot or in the ground, nearly always seem to grow larger than wild plants (photograph of var. molokaiense in a pot courtesy of Forest & Kim Starr CC BY 3.0 US).
Description
Currently (2026), the taxonomy of Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium is a mess! Flora of the Hawaiian Islands recognizes four varieties of this species. However, a recent paper by Smissen et al. [2023] suggests that the four varieties should be treated as separate species based on their limited genetic analysis. Further, the genetic sequences of two of their P. sandwicensium samples matched that of a putatively naturalized species found in New Zealand. Additionally, there is a longstanding concern that herbarium collections of var. sandwicensium are compromised by specimens of the introduced Jersey cudweed (Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum) [Plants of Hawai‘i]. Therefore, be extremely cautious about making identifications based on the descriptions below.
Both Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium var. molokaiense and var. sandwicensium are considered to be short-lived perennial herbs. However, in cultivation, these plants may behave more like annuals, particularly if they are permitted to set seed. When small, both varieties look similar and are normally covered in silvery hairs (see photographs above). However, as they mature, the differences between the two become more apparent, with var. sandwicensium becoming tall and less and less fuzzy (i.e., more green) while var. molokaiense remains prostrate and extremely fuzzy or wooly (see photographs above). Another less reliable feature is the width of the plant's leaves, with var. molokaiense having wider (spatula-like) leaves while the leaves of var. sandwicensium are thinner (blade-like).
Both Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium var. molokaiense and var. sandwicensium produce globular clusters of pale to dark yellow flower heads composed of outer pistillate (female) and central perfect (bisexual) florets. (The flower heads of the introduced and naturalized Jersey cudweed (Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum) often have reddish tips.) After flowering, plants typically die or die back. Each pollinated floret develops into tiny, elongate cypselae (a type of dry single-seeded fruit) [Seeds of Hawaii; Seeds of Hawaii].
Note: Because of their limited and high-elevation geographic ranges, Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium var. hawaiiense and var. kilaueanum are not included on this webpage. Additionally, we have never grown these two varieties.
Growth Requirements
General
My (Koebele) experience growing ʻenaʻena is limited to variety molokaiense in pots within a shadehouse. Therefore, much of the discussion (and recommendations) below is based on the observations of others I have spoken with, field observations of wild plants, or written sources.
ʻEnaʻena does best when grown in a site with full sunlight for all or most of the day. It seems to have a wide tolerance for soil types and media mixes (e.g., sand, calcareous, lava/cinder, clay, and organic-dominant) as long as the soil or media drains water quickly. Water your ʻenaʻena sparingly, allowing the surface soil or media to become completely dry before watering. In rainier locations, watering isn't necessary, and in very rainy areas, your ʻenaʻena may do poorly. ʻEnaʻena can tolerate extreme heat, drought, strong winds, and salt spray.
ʻEnaʻena grows quickly under ideal conditions (i.e., lots of sunlight and moderate soil moisture) and will begin producing flowers in less than a year. Unfortunately, after the seeds ripen, plants typically die back or die completely. Therefore, if you wish to keep your ʻenaʻena alive for more than a year, you should religiously remove any flower heads before they fully develop. Even with this pruning, don't expect your plant to last more than a few years. Good growth does not require fertilizers, and fertilization may actually attract pests to your plants or cause them to grow unnaturally.
Because of their short lifespan, you'll need a plan if you wish to grow ʻenaʻena long-term. Unfortunately, the research on whether ʻenaʻena can hybridize with other non-native cudweeds found here in Hawai‘i is lacking (however, see an encouraging study by Knope et al. [2013] on Hawaiian Bidens species). Therefore, the safest way to propagate ʻenaʻena replacement plants is by cuttings, which, according to Lilleeng-Rosenberger [2005], is fairly easy. Alternatively, you can bag some of the flower heads of your ʻenaʻena before they open, hand-pollinate, and then collect and store the seeds (in your refrigerator). Seeds can take from two months to two years to germinate [Lilleeng-Rosenberger 2005]. Refer to Pritchardia martii Growth Requirements for details on how to bag, hand-pollinate, etc.
Pests and Diseases
Nagata [1992] notes that "a root fungus may attack ʻenaʻena," and you should consult "a local garden shop for an appropriate fungicide."
Caterpillars of the introduced Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady), a generalist feeder [WikipediA; Vanessa cardui], and V. virginiensis (American Lady), a more specialized feeder on Gnaphalieae [BugGuide], both feed on cudweeds. If you encounter caterpillars on your ʻenaʻena, the simplest solution is to remove them by hand.
Uses
Ancient Hawaiian
Hawaiians stored their feathered kāhili with the fragrant ʻenaʻena to repel insects [Neal 1965; Degener 1973].
Modern
Special Features and Information
General
Asteraceae is a very large family of mostly herbaceous plants with about 32,000 species within 1,900 genera with a subpolar to tropical worldwide distribution. Nearly all Asteraceae have what appears to be a single daisy-type flower that is actually a composite of several to many much smaller flowers called florets [WikipediA: Asteraceae]. There are about 250 native and non-native Asteraceae in Hawai‘i, with a little more than half being native [Flora of the Hawaiian Islands].
In addition to the endemic species Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium, there are at least two introduced Pseudognaphalium species in Hawai‘i. (There are also numerous other introduced cudweeds of related genera found in Hawai‘i.) Currently (2026), the hybridization threat these species pose to P. sandwicensium is unclear. However, where the species' ranges overlap, it's likely they compete for habitat.
Pseudognaphalium attenuatum is naturalized on Maui and Hawai‘i [Plants of Hawai‘i].
Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum — While Plants of Hawai‘i records this species as only being found in cultivation, my (Koebele) online photo-survey of iNaturalist and other sites suggests otherwise.
Hawaiian Name
‘Enaʻena is a reduplication of ‘Ena, which means "glowing," "red-hot," or "raging." Unfortunately, it's not apparent how this meaning relates to the plant. Pūheu is the name for this plant on Niʻihau [Pukui & Elbert 1986].
Etymology
Pseudognaphalium is a compound name composed of the Greek prefix pseudo- meaning "false," combined with the genus name Gnaphalium, to mean "false Gnaphalium." Gnaphium, in turn, means "soft-down" and comes from a Greek name for a plant with felted leaves [Gledhill 2008], undoubtedly referring to the wooly hairs covering the leaves, stems, etc., of this species.
The variety name, molokaiense, refers to Molokaʻi, one of the four islands where this variety was historically found and the island where it is still most common. The variety name, sandwicensium, refers to the "Sandwich Islands," as the Hawaiian Islands were once called and named by James Cook on one of his voyages in the 1770s. James Cook named the islands to honor John Montagu (The fourth Earl of Sandwich) for supporting Cook's voyages [Gledhill 2008].
BPK