Extremely rare in a single location on the upper slope of Mauna Kea.
Narrow leaves' silver hairs reflect UV radiation and gel-filled core
stores moisture. Blooms once then dies. Threatened with extinction due
to grazing, habitat alteration, trampling of delicate root system, and
loss of natural pollinators. The more common
Haleakala Silversword
occurs on Maui. Flowers in each subspecies differ substantially.