Hawaii · Shrub

Naio for birds in Hawaii

Native coastal to montane shrub with small white fruit. Native to Hawaii, where it feeds or shelters 3 backyard bird species.

Scientific name
Myoporum sandwicense
Native status
Native in Hawaii
Hardiness zones
USDA 9a–13a
What birds get from it
fruit and berries, insects for nestlings
Hawaii birds supported
3
Nesting birds among them
3

Growing conditions in Hawaii

Tropical, with wet windward slopes, dry leeward coasts and cool upland forest above 3,000 ft.

Most backyard birds are introduced species; native honeycreepers persist mostly in high-elevation forest.

Hawaii birds that use Naio

Nesting season it supports in Hawaii

Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Naio:

  • Northern Cardinal — March–August
  • House Finch — March–August
  • Northern Mockingbird — February–August

Native plants to pair with Naio in Hawaii

Osteomeles anthyllidifolia · Shrub

Native rose-family shrub with white fruit.

Vitex rotundifolia · Shrub

Coastal groundcover that supports insects and seed-eaters.

ʻŌhiʻa lehua
Metrosideros polymorpha · Tree

The keystone native tree; red blossoms are nectar for honeycreepers.

Frequently asked

Is Naio native to Hawaii?

Yes. Naio (Myoporum sandwicense) is recorded as native in Hawaii. Hawaii spans USDA 9a–13a.

What birds does Naio attract in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, Naio supports 3 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Northern Mockingbird.

Does Naio help nesting birds in Hawaii?

3 of those birds nest in Hawaii: Northern Cardinal (March–August), House Finch (March–August), Northern Mockingbird (February–August).

Sources

  1. USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
  2. VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
  3. eBird region overview and bar charts — Hawaii
  4. USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
  5. Audubon Native Plants Database

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.