Gnaphalium sandwicensium Gaud. Stems are erect or creeping, olive-green, gray or white, moderately or densely hairy. Leaves are narrow or broad spoon-shaped, moderately or densely hairy, with lower leaves often forming a rosette.
Flower heads are in dense terminal clusters.
Four varieties are currently recognized because of their distinct plant stature, density of hairs, shape of leaves, and size and color of flower heads. It can be found on sand dunes and coastal habitats to high elevation lava fields. The dried fragrant leaves were stored with feather standards, kahili, to repel insects. Varieties range from a tall herb with a few upright stems to a smaller, denser rosette-form. The different varieties offer options for meeting specific landscape requirements.