Gossypium tomentosum, commonly known as Hawaiian cotton, is a perennial shrub endemic to the dry, coastal low shrublands and rocky areas of the Hawaiian Islands. It typically grows from 1.5 to 5 feet tall and 5 to 10 feet wide. Hawaiian cotton is characterized by its heart-shaped leaves and yellow flowers, which bloom throughout the year, adding a splash of color to the landscape. The plant produces seeds with short, reddish-brown hairs, which are not suitable for spinning into cotton fiber but are important for the plant’s survival in its native habitat.

Hawaiian cotton is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings in similar climates. It is also used in habitat restoration projects and as an ornamental shrub in gardens. While it has cultural significance for Native Hawaiians, who used its flowers for dye, it is not widely cultivated for commercial purposes due to the unsuitability of its seed hairs for textile production. Gardeners should note that it requires full sun and minimal water once established, reflecting its adaptation to arid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0