Kou

Kou is an evergreen tropical tree with a broad crown, glossy green leaves, and clusters of orange flowers. Native to Hawaiʻi and other tropical shores, it has long been valued for shade, flowers, and durable wood. ## Form and setting [Native Plants Hawaiʻi](https://nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plants/cordia-subcordata/) describes a tree commonly 15–30 feet tall, sometimes larger, with a spread up to about 25 feet. It grows in full or partial sun and well-drained coastal soils. [Hawaiʻi’s Department of Land and Natural Resources](https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/forestry/plants/kou/) describes its showy orange flowers, shoreline and dry-forest habitats, and traditional use of the wood for carving. ## Water and exposure Give kou room for a broad shade crown. Once established it tolerates some drought, wind, and salt spray, though heavy salt spray can damage foliage. Sandy, well-drained soil suits its coastal habitat; avoid treating salt spray tolerance as immunity to prolonged exposure. ## Maintenance Water regularly while young, then reduce irrigation as roots establish. Keep fallen fruits away from paths where they could become slippery, and prune only as needed to maintain clearance or remove damaged branches.