Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

pseudopanax ferox toothed lancewood

Pseudopanax ferox, known as the Fierce Lancewood or Toothed Lancewood, is a striking New Zealand native tree celebrated for its unusual juvenile form and dramatic presence in gardens and landscapes. This slow-growing evergreen features narrow, deeply toothed, dark bronze-green leaves with a distinctive zigzag growth habit that makes a bold architectural statement. As it matures, Pseudopanax ferox toothed lancewood transforms—its foliage softens, taking on a more typical tree form while still retaining those unmistakable serrated edges. This unique growth habit, coupled with its adaptability and low maintenance needs, has made it a favourite for gardeners seeking a feature plant or a fascinating addition to native plant collections.

Pseudopanax ferox (Toothed Lancewood)

Toothed Lancewood

Pseudopanax ferox, commonly known as Fierce or Toothed Lancewood, is a NZ native tree that features interesting juvenile and mature forms. The juvenile leaves are long and slender with strongly toothed margins, while the adult form is much bushier and has a braided appearance. It grows slowly to eventually reach 8 m in height and 3 m in width. Pseudopanax ferox is commonly used as an architectural feature, added to a mixed planting, or grown around the pool or patio areas, where it is contained with trimming.

Full sized Pseudopanax ferox (Fierce Lancewood) at four years old.
  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Trees
  • Height:
    8.00 m
  • Spread:
    3.00 m
  • Tolerances:
    Extended dry periods, Hardy
  • Garden uses:
    Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
  • Garden styles:
    Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Native
A tui feeding on the berries and flowers in a Pseudopanax arboreus (Whauwhaupaku) tree.
Most Popular

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
Pseudopanax crassifolius growing in a garden with dark green foliage.
Most Popular

Pseudopanax crassifolius (Lancewood)

Pseudopanax crassifolius, commonly known as Lancewood or Horoeka, is a distinctive New Zealand native tree renowned for its dramatic transformation...

From$25.58
A small Pseudopanax 'Cyril Watson' shrub with lush, bright green foliage.
Most Popular

Pseudopanax Cyril Watson

Pseudopanax 'Cyril Watson' is a distinctive New Zealand native shrub, recognised for its lush, glossy green foliage with 3 to 5 rounded, partially...

From$299.92
Pseudopanax lessonii lush, green foliage.
Most Popular

Pseudopanax lessonii (Coastal Five Finger)

Pseudopanax lessonii, commonly known as Five-Finger or Houpara, is a lush, native New Zealand shrub or small tree prized for its tropical appearance...

From$26.93
pseudopanax-lessonii-gold-finger-
Most Popular

Pseudopanax Gold Finger

Pseudopanax Gold Finger features leathery and narrow leaves which emerge bright yellow and slowly age to dark green. It typically grows to 2 m tall...

From$299.92
A Liquidambar 'Lane Roberts' specimen tree in a park with colourful autumn foliage.
Most Popular

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Lane Roberts'

Liquidambar 'Lane Roberts' is a popular variety due to its beautiful foliage and brilliant autumn colours. It has star-shaped leaves which emerge a...

From$343.89
daphniphyllum-macropodum-3
Most Popular

Daphniphyllum macropodum

Daphniphyllum macropodum is a truly impressive evergreen tree. The young growth in spring resembles masses of miniature Cycads and has red hues...

From$343.89
prunus-kiku-shidare-sakura-
Most Popular

Prunus Kiku Shidare Zakura

Prunus Kiku Shidare Zakura is a variety of Flowering Cherry that features pendulous branches and stunning flowers. It produces masses of the large...

From$432.79
malus-wrights-scarlet-2
Most Popular

Malus Wrights Scarlet

Malus Wrights Scarlet is variety of Crabapple that features flower buds that open in spring to reveal showy, white blossoms just as the foliage...

From$343.89
Lagerstroemia 'De Puard' cluster of light pink flowers.
Most Popular

Lagerstroemia 'De Puard'

Lagerstroemia ‘De Puard’ is an attractive crepe myrtle valued for its soft coloured summer flowers and well balanced upright form. Flowering through...

From$29.63
Pseudopanax ferox (Toothed Lancewood)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Pseudopanax or Evergreen Trees.

Search Pseudopanax ferox (Toothed Lancewood)

Unique Features of Pseudopanax ferox Toothed Lancewood

One of the key attractions of Pseudopanax ferox toothed lancewood is its highly distinctive juvenile foliage. For many years, the tree develops long, narrow leaves with pronounced, saw-like teeth, lending it an almost prehistoric look. The young trees stand upright and slender, making them ideal for creating visual interest in modern landscapes or native gardens. As the tree matures, it develops a single trunk and the leaves become shorter, wider, and less toothed—showcasing one of the most remarkable transformations among New Zealand's native trees.

Growing and Care Tips

Pseudopanax ferox thrives in well-drained soils and prefers a sunny to semi-shaded position. It is highly tolerant of wind and salt spray, making it suitable for exposed coastal gardens as well as urban environments. Once established, it is drought tolerant and requires minimal care beyond occasional watering during dry spells. Pseudopanax ferox toothed lancewood can reach 5 to 7 metres, making it a perfect medium-sized tree for feature planting, screening, or as part of a native woodland scheme. Adding a layer of mulch around the base will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Landscape Uses and Companion Planting

With its striking silhouette, Pseudopanax ferox toothed lancewood is often used as a specimen tree or incorporated into mixed plantings for contrast and texture. It pairs beautifully with other New Zealand natives, such as Pseudopanax crassifolius (Lancewood) and Pseudopanax arboreus (Five-Finger), or shrubs like Pseudopanax Cyril Watson, Pseudopanax lessonii (Coastal Five Finger), and Pseudopanax Gold Finger. Its dramatic form also complements exotic trees such as Ginkgo Fastigiata, Corylus maxima Purpurea, and Vitex lucens. For seasonal colour, consider underplanting with foliage contrasts like Acer palmatum Scolopendrifolium (Acer Scolopendrifolium) or Pyrus calleryana 'Cleveland Select'.

Why Choose Pseudopanax ferox Toothed Lancewood?

Whether you’re designing a contemporary landscape or restoring a native garden, Pseudopanax ferox toothed lancewood offers year-round architectural interest, is easy to care for, and supports local biodiversity. Its evolutionary journey from fierce, jagged leaves to a sleek mature form captures the essence of New Zealand's unique flora and makes it a conversation piece in any planting scheme. Embrace the dramatic with Pseudopanax ferox and discover its remarkable transformation for yourself.


Contact us

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.

–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

429 Google reviews