Quick answer: Kou (Cordia subcordata) is native to 1 state. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 24 Oct 2026.
Photo: Tauʻolunga, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Dry |
| Soil | Coastal sandy, salt tolerant |
| Bloom | Bloom Year-round |
| Height | 20-30 ft |
| Wildlife value | Bees, shade tree |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 24 Oct 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Kou
Where is Kou native?
Kou (Cordia subcordata) is native to Hawaii. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Kou bloom?
Kou blooms Year-round. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Kou need?
Light: Sun. Water: Dry. Soil: Coastal sandy, salt tolerant. Mature height: 20-30 ft.
Is Kou good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Bees, shade tree.
Is Kou deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Kou is drought-tolerant.
Where can I buy Kou?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 24 Oct 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Cordia subcordata by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Kou.
- Milo Thespesia populnea
- Hinahina kū kahakai Heliotropium anomalum
- Koʻoloaʻula (red ʻilima) Abutilon menziesii
- Maʻo hau hele (Hawaiian yellow hibiscus) Hibiscus brackenridgei
- Nehe Lipochaeta succulenta
- Pōhinahina (beach vitex) Vitex rotundifolia
Also listed under
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