Silver Sword Flower
Argyroxiphium sandwicense
The Silver Sword is one of the world's most extraordinary and endangered flowering plants, endemic to the volcanic summits of Hawaii. Its silver-haired rosette blooms just once in up to 90 years before dying, making it a profound symbol of sacrifice, singular beauty, and the preciousness of life.
Asteraceae (Daisy family)
Summer to fall (June–November); blooms only once in the plant's entire lifetime of up to 90 years
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: crown of thornss and echinaceas also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
The Silversword, known as ʻāhinahina ("very gray") in Hawaiian, holds a deeply revered place in Hawaiian culture as a symbol of the unique and irreplaceable natural heritage of the islands. Its name in Hawaiian literally describes its stunning silver-gray appearance — the result of dense trichomes reflecting the intense high-altitude sunlight. The plant's habit of living for decades only to bloom magnificently once before dying gives it a powerful symbolism of sacrifice and singular purpose. It is considered one of the most dramatic examples of adaptive radiation in the plant world, having evolved from a California tarweed ancestor 5–6 million years ago. Its near-extinction followed by conservation recovery has made it an enduring icon of environmental resilience.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun; adapted to the intense high-altitude UV of Hawaiian volcanic summits
Water
Highly adapted to survive intense UV, low rainfall, and alternating freezing nights and warm days. The silver hairs reflect sunlight and the succulent leaves store water.
Soil
Volcanic cinder, Stony, Very well-drained, Low nutrient
Expert Growing Tips
Not suitable for conventional cultivation — requires the specific volcanic cinder soils, intense sunlight, and climate of Hawaiian alpine zones
Can be seen in natural habitat at Haleakalā National Park, Maui
Support conservation through Haleakalā National Park programs which protect and restore wild populations
If encountered in the wild, never touch, uproot, or walk near the plants — the shallow root system is easily damaged
Propagation programs use controlled greenhouse conditions with volcanic cinder substrate for restoration planting
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Living symbol of Hawaiian natural heritage and conservation success
- Focal specimen in botanical garden collections of rare and endangered plants
- Educational conservation displays
- Source of artistic and cultural inspiration in Hawaiian art and design
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Silver Sword Flower
Why does the silver sword flower only bloom once?
The Silver Sword (Argyroxiphium sandwicense) is monocarpic — it lives for up to 90 years storing energy in its succulent rosette, then produces one spectacular flowering stalk, sets seed, and dies. This single reproductive event is the culmination of its entire life.
Where does the silver sword flower grow?
The Silver Sword is endemic to Hawaii — it exists nowhere else on Earth. It grows on the volcanic summits of Haleakalā on Maui and Mauna Kea on the Big Island at elevations of 6,900–13,000 feet, in harsh volcanic cinder desert conditions.
Is the Hawaiian silversword endangered?
Yes. The Mauna Kea Silversword is federally listed as endangered, with as few as 40 wild individuals remaining. The Haleakalā Silversword is listed as threatened. Both were nearly driven to extinction by ungulate grazing and vandalism but have partially recovered thanks to conservation programs in Haleakalā National Park.
What does ʻāhinahina mean?
ʻĀhinahina is the Hawaiian name for the silversword, literally meaning "very gray" — a reference to the dense silver hair covering each sword-like leaf that gives the plant its metallic, luminous appearance and protects it from intense UV radiation and freezing temperatures.
How long does the silver sword live?
Silversword plants can live anywhere from 20 to 90 years before they flower. The entire plant grows silently as a silver rosette for decades, then suddenly produces its towering flower stalk, blooms, sets seed, and dies — making each flowering event a genuinely rare and extraordinary occasion.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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