Perch Supply
Hawaii · Shrub

Pōhinahina for birds in Hawaii

Coastal groundcover that supports insects and seed-eaters. Native to Hawaii, where it feeds or shelters 3 backyard bird species.

Scientific name
Vitex rotundifolia
Native status
Native in Hawaii
Hardiness zones
USDA 9a–13a
What birds get from it
seed, 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 Pōhinahina

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 Pōhinahina:

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

Native plants to pair with Pōhinahina in Hawaii

Naio
Myoporum sandwicense · Shrub

Native coastal to montane shrub with small white fruit.

ʻŪlei
Osteomeles anthyllidifolia · Shrub

Native rose-family shrub with white fruit.

ʻŌhiʻa lehua
Metrosideros polymorpha · Tree

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

Frequently asked

Is Pōhinahina native to Hawaii?

Yes. Pōhinahina (Vitex rotundifolia) is recorded as native in Hawaii. Hawaii spans USDA 9a–13a.

What birds does Pōhinahina attract in Hawaii?

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

Does Pōhinahina 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.