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nz native small trees

If you’re planning a garden that reflects New Zealand’s unique character, NZ native small trees are a perfect choice. These compact natives bring beauty, resilience, and ecological value, fitting well into urban yards, lifestyle blocks, or as a statement in smaller garden spaces. From subtle evergreens to striking flowering specimens, NZ native small trees offer year-round interest, support biodiversity, and withstand New Zealand’s climate extremes.

Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai) juvenile tree growing as a specimen in a park.

Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai)

Prumnopitys taxifolia, commonly known as Matai or Black Pine, is a stately, NZ native tree with quite different juvenile and adult forms. The juvenile form has orange branches held with a tangled appearance and silver-coloured foliage. The tree eventually develops dense, yellow-green foliage and distinctive hammer mark patterns on the trunk. It typically grows to 10 m tall and 6 m wide in 10 years, but will eventually reach 25-30 m tall after several more decades. The different forms make Prumnopitys taxifolia both an unusual and attractive plant that is ideal for including in a mixed planting in a large garden or for using in a native revegetation project.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 25.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Forestry, Native
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.

Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

5 from 3 customers

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses of golden yellow flowers in spring. This semi-evergreen species is highly attractive to native birds such as tui and bellbirds, which feed on its nectar. Elegant, hardy, and versatile, the Weeping Kowhai is a stunning addition to both gardens and larger landscapes.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Native
pittosporum-small-ball-

Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Pittosporum Small Ball is a dwarf variety grown for its glossy, olive-green leaves which are held densely. This evergreen grows with a ball shape to...

From$107.05
podocarpus-laetus-

Podocarpus laetus (Mountain Totara)

Podocarpus laetus, commonly known as Mountain Totara, is an elegant NZ native tree that features small leaves which are held somewhat densely off...

From$343.89
A large Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (Kahikatea) tree.

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (Kahikatea)

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides, commonly known as Kahikatea or White Pine, is a slow-growing, NZ native tree capable of reaching 50 m tall. The foliage on...

From$205.02

Laurelia novae-zelandiae

Laurelia novae-zelandiae, commonly known as Pukatea, is a magnificent NZ native tree admired for its glossy green leaves, fluted trunk, and...

From$24.23
A Kunzea robusta shrub with masses of pretty, white flowers.

Kunzea robusta

Kunzea robusta, commonly known as Kanuka or the White Tea Tree, is a fast-growing, NZ native tree. It features small, dark green leaves that release...

From$205.02
Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.

Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$358.98
A Sophora chathamica tree growing in a garden with green foliage.

Sophora chathamica

Sophora chathamica (Coastal Kōwhai) is a stunning New Zealand native tree known for its masses of bright yellow flowers that appear in early spring...

From$358.98
Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.

Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$457.29
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.

Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$97.13
Nestegis montana narrow green leaves on a tree.

Nestegis montana (Narrow-Leaved Maire)

Nestegis montana is a hardy and attractive native tree of New Zealand, known for its upright growth habit and glossy green foliage. This evergreen...

From$299.92
sorbus-scarlet-king-

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

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Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark) branch with masses of white flowers and green foliage.

Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark)

Hoheria sextylosa, commonly known as Lacebark or the Lace Bark Tree, is a quick growing, NZ native tree. The bark has a lace like appearance, hence...

From$18.83
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio) tree with lush foliage and white flowers growing in a coastal location.

Myoporum laetum (Ngaio)

Myoporum laetum, commonly known as Ngaio, is a NZ native tree grown for its lush foliage and showy flowers. It features large, fleshy, green leaves...

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Melia azedarach tree.

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

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Sophora fulvida tree with masses of yellow flowers.

Sophora fulvida

Sophora fulvida (Southern Kōwhai) is a beautiful New Zealand native tree admired for its golden yellow flowers and fine green foliage. Flowering in...

From$457.29
Pittosporum eugenioides tree with lush, dark green foliage and cream-coloured flowers.

Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as Tarata or Lemonwood, is a fast-growing native New Zealand tree valued for its glossy green leaves and...

From$21.53
Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa) specimen tree in a park.

Knightia excelsa

Knightia excelsa, commonly known as Rewarewa, is an impressive NZ native tree featuring showy flowers and lush foliage. Unusual yet attractive, dark...

From$63.38
carpodetus-serratus-4

Carpodetus serratus

Carpodetus serratus, commonly known as the Putaputaweta Tree or Marble Leaf, is an attractive, NZ native tree with spreading branches that host...

From$343.89
magnolia-liliiflora-nigra-1

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$299.92
A tui feeding on the berries and flowers in a Pseudopanax arboreus (Whauwhaupaku) tree.

Pseudopanax arboreus (Five-Finger)

Pseudopanax arboreus, commonly known as Five Finger or Whauwhaupaku, is a fast-growing NZ native tree that typically reaches 4–6 m tall. It features...

From$18.83
magnolia-deryk-2

Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$343.89
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).

Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$277.74
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.

Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$26.93
magnolia-amethyst-flame-2

Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Amethyst Flame is a smaller tree that bears masses of large and showy, bright red-purple flowers in late winter and early spring on the...

From$299.92
Ligularia 'Rukuhia Beauty' in a garden with lush, green foliage.

Ligularia 'Rukuhia Beauty' (Small Leaved Ligularia)

Ligularia 'Rukuhia Beauty' is a striking perennial valued for its bold foliage and rich garden presence. Large broad leaves form lush clumps that...

From$26.93
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$432.79
crassula-ovata-

Crassula ovata (Money Tree)

Crassula ovata is a versatile plant ideal for New Zealand gardens, offering unique features and easy care.

From$28.28
Vitex lucens (Puriri) lush, green foliage.

Vitex lucens

Vitex lucens, commonly known as Puriri, is a striking New Zealand native tree prized for its lush foliage, vibrant pink to red tubular flowers, and...

From$299.92
fuscospora-solandri-

Fuscospora solandri (Black Beech)

Commonly known as Black Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely in...

From$358.98
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo is a highly colourful, deciduous tree featuring bright, salmon-pink foliage in spring which ages to cream-yellow, and then...

From$28.28
Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Beilschmiedia, Carpodetus, Cedrela, Crassula, Dacrycarpus, Dacrydium, Fuscospora, Hoheria, Knightia, Kunzea, Laurelia, Ligularia, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Melia, Metrosideros, Myoporum, Nestegis, Phyllocladus, Pittosporum, Podocarpus, Prumnopitys, Pseudopanax, Sophora Sorbus and Vitex, or related Categories - Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Succulents, Deciduous Trees Evergreen Trees and Magnolia Trees.

Search nz native small trees

Why Choose NZ Native Small Trees for Your Garden?

NZ native small trees have evolved to handle our local weather conditions, meaning they require less maintenance once established. Many are bird-friendly, attracting tūī, kererū, and other native wildlife. Smaller-growing native trees are ideal for urban gardens, under-planting larger trees, or growing along boundaries. Their modest size allows for easy shaping and diversity without overwhelming limited space.

Top NZ Native Small Trees for Kiwi Gardens

Whether you seek vivid foliage, delicate flowers, or unique textures, there’s a New Zealand small tree to fit every garden.

Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

The Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai) is beloved for its graceful form and brilliant yellow spring blooms. This kōwhai variety is naturally compact, often growing as a small tree or multi-stemmed shrub. Its nectar-rich flowers attract native birds, making it a centrepiece for wildlife-friendly gardens.

Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum)

If you desire a low-maintenance and tidy specimen, consider the Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum). With its dense, spherical habit and attractive bright foliage, this dwarf cultivar is perfect for hedging, borders, or as a standalone feature in contemporary landscapes. Its compactness ensures it fits beautifully among other NZ native small trees.

Podocarpus laetus (Mountain Totara)

For those wanting year-round colour and form, Podocarpus laetus (Mountain Totara) is an excellent option. This slow-growing native conifer features fine, soft green foliage and elegantly tiered branches. Reaching modest heights, it works well as a screening tree or as a structural plant in mixed plantings.

Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai)

The Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai) is a classic New Zealand tree, often grown as an ornamental for its lush foliage and distinctive trunk. When grown in gardens, Matai can be pruned and maintained at a smaller size, providing texture and shade even in limited areas.

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (Kahikatea)

Although Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (Kahikatea) can reach impressive heights in forests, it’s slow-growing and manageable in gardens for many years. Kahikatea’s soft, graceful foliage and slender trunk make it an attractive choice among NZ native small trees, suiting a variety of styles from naturalistic to modern.

Planting and Caring for NZ Native Small Trees

Most NZ native small trees thrive in free-draining soil, with regular moisture and mulch to protect young roots. Native trees appreciate regular watering in the first few seasons and some shelter from harsh winds. Light pruning can help maintain shape and encourage healthy growth. Mulching supports moisture retention and suppresses weeds, giving your NZ natives the best possible start.

Enjoy the Beauty of NZ Native Small Trees

By incorporating NZ native small trees into your landscape, you’ll create a garden that echoes the natural beauty of Aotearoa – while supporting local ecosystems and providing a sanctuary for native birds and insects. Explore our range to find the perfect fit for your place, and enjoy a resilient, low-maintenance, and utterly unique New Zealand garden.


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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

It’s easy to pick Dianella 'Little Jess' and Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily), but garden variety is all about adding surprises like Cupressocyparis Leightons Green, Quercus coccinea, and Magnolia Genie.
–The Plant Company

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