[3] Osteomeles anthyllidifolia can be found in dry to mesic forests, shrublands, coastal areas, and lava plains at elevations of 2–2,320 metres (6.6–7,611.5 ft).

[6] The leaves and root bark are used on deep cuts; the seeds and buds are used as a laxative for children.

[7] The wood of a mature Osteomeles anthyllidifolia is very strong, and Native Hawaiians used it to make ʻō (harpoons) with which they caught heʻe (octopuses).

[8] Ihe paheʻe (javelins), ihe (spears), ʻōʻō (digging sticks),[5] hohoa (round kapa beaters) ʻiʻe kūkū (square kapa beaters), ʻūkēkē (musical bows), and ʻauamo (carrying sticks) were also made from the wood.

These were 25-foot (7.6 m) bag nets that were used in conjunction with kalo (taro) as bait to catch schools of ʻōpelu (Decapterus macarellus).