Quick answer: Milo (Thespesia populnea) is native to 1 state. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 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 | Medium |
| Soil | Coastal, salt tolerant |
| Bloom | Bloom Year-round |
| Height | 20-40 ft |
| Wildlife value | Bees |
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (24 Oct 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 24 Oct 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Milo
Where is Milo native?
Milo (Thespesia populnea) is native to Hawaii. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Milo bloom?
Milo blooms Year-round. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Milo need?
Light: Sun. Water: Medium. Soil: Coastal, salt tolerant. Mature height: 20-40 ft.
Is Milo good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Bees.
Where can I buy real Milo seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 24 Oct 2026. Look for the scientific name Thespesia populnea on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Milo.
- Kou Cordia subcordata
- 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
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