Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
2 ratings

Tuesday - February 17, 2009

From: Pukalani, HI
Region: Hawaii
Topic: Privacy Screening, Shrubs
Title: Hedge plant for Maui.
Answered by: Joe Marcus

QUESTION:

Question: I live in Pukalani, Maui, Hawaii and would like to put a "living fence" around my yard for some privacy. Ideally, I want something that is going to grow fast and about 8+ feet tall for a hedge-like fence. I'd prefer something safe for my dogs, so I need to make sure that nothing with poisonous berries or leaves end up in the yard (i.e. no oleander). Mahalo

ANSWER:

Growing conditions can vary widely in Hawaii depending on local weather, soil properties and other conditions.  We are not experts on poisonous plants, though we know of no problems with the species listed in this answer.  However, you can search many toxic plant databases online or consult with your vet to be sure.

Here is a list of Hawaiian native plant species that might work for you:

Hibiscus waimeae, Koki‘o ke‘oke‘o or Hawaiian white hibiscus

Pipturus albidus, Mamaki

Psydrax odorata, Alahe'e

Senna gaudichaudii, Kolomana

Cibotium glaucum, Hapu'u pulu or Hawaiian tree fern

Styphelia tameiameiae, 'A'ali'i mahu

Dodonaea viscosa, 'A'ali'i

Gardenia brighamii, Nanu

Nototrichium sandwicense, Kulu'i

Nototrichium humile, Humble Kulu'i

Pittosporum confertiflorum, Ha'awa

Santalum freycinetianum, 'Iliahi or Sandalwood

Sesbania tomentosa, 'Ohai

 

 

 

 

 

More Shrubs Questions

Colorful shrubs for Kansas
June 02, 2009 - I would like to plant some bushes or shrubs on the front side of our house which faces east. I would like them to grow 5' tall and provide beautiful color or blooms. What would be best for my locat...
view the full question and answer

Mystery shrub in Michigan
July 18, 2011 - I live in the upper peninsula of Michigan and noticed a shrub in the woods that has large clusters of small red, what I would call berries on it. Can you give me some n...
view the full question and answer

Leaf loss on Cenizo in Bertram TX
November 17, 2009 - I need help with a purple sage (Leucophyllum frutescens) problem. Most of one of my plants started having paler, more greyish leaves, then the leaves began to fall off. It seemed to still look healthy...
view the full question and answer

Small Yard Tree for Washington DC
July 20, 2012 - What do you suggest for a tree or shrub in my front yard? The yard is small; 9 ft x 12 ft. Thank you.
view the full question and answer

Smoky Mountains Shaded Slope Plant Suggestions
April 29, 2013 - We live in a very shady spot in Great Smoky Mountains in Western North Carolina. We would like to plant vegetation on a sloped area behind our cottage to stop erosion after building an addition. Our h...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.