Plant Communities

From the dry subalpine shrubland to the humid rainforests of Kipahulu, Haleakala National Park contains a great diversity of unique plant communities, many of which are found only in Hawai'i.

Saw a cool native plant during your visit to Haleakala? Identify it using our plant ID flashcards! Each PDF file contains a series of plant flashcards for different areas of the park, with pictures, descriptions, and locations where you might see them.

 

Subalpine shrubland

Slow-growing native shrubs capture moisture on the upper slopes of Haleakala. The shrubland hosts ancient ohelo, pukiawe, and geraniums, with remnant pockets of shady 'ohia and sandalwood ('iliahi) groves.

 

NPS photo

Crater aeolian desert

The arid Aeolian desert of the crater's interior is home to hardy water-saving species like orange-berried coffee relative pilo, the branching Seusslike shrubs of kupaoa, and, of course, the hardy silversword.

 

NPS Photo

Kaupo Gap mesic forest

The trail from Paliku through Kaupo Gap traverses a unique ecotone ranging from mesic koa forest to dry shrubland to alien coastal jungle.

 

NPS Photo

Coastal Kipahulu

The salt-washed shores of the Kipahulu District are home to unique natives adapted to salt spray, hot sun and lots of rain.

 

Invasive Plants of Haleakala National Park

Invasive nonnative plants like fireweed, telegraph weed, and pine trees threaten to invade vulnerable native plant communities, destroying ancient plant assemblages and habitat for native birds. Park staff are actively managing these species to preserve pristine native eocsystems in the crater, frontcountry and the Kipahulu Valley Biological Reserve.