Quick answer: ʻIliahi alo‘e (coastal sandalwood) (Santalum ellipticum) 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: Forest & Kim Starr, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 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 | Rocky coastal |
| Bloom | Bloom Year-round |
| Height | 3-15 ft |
| Wildlife value | Fruit for birds |
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 ʻIliahi alo‘e (coastal sandalwood)
Where is ʻIliahi alo‘e (coastal sandalwood) native?
ʻIliahi alo‘e (coastal sandalwood) (Santalum ellipticum) is native to Hawaii. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does ʻIliahi alo‘e (coastal sandalwood) bloom?
ʻIliahi alo‘e (coastal sandalwood) blooms Year-round. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does ʻIliahi alo‘e (coastal sandalwood) need?
Light: Sun. Water: Dry. Soil: Rocky coastal. Mature height: 3-15 ft.
Is ʻIliahi alo‘e (coastal sandalwood) good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Fruit for birds.
Is ʻIliahi alo‘e (coastal sandalwood) deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
ʻIliahi alo‘e (coastal sandalwood) is drought-tolerant.
Where can I buy ʻIliahi alo‘e (coastal sandalwood)?
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 Santalum ellipticum by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with ʻIliahi alo‘e (coastal sandalwood).
- Naio Myoporum sandwicense
- Wiliwili Erythrina sandwicensis
- ʻŪlei Osteomeles anthyllidifolia
- ʻAkia Wikstroemia uva-ursi
- Florida hopbush Dodonaea viscosa
- Hinahina kū kahakai Heliotropium anomalum
Also listed under
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