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deciduous nz native trees

Deciduous NZ native trees offer a unique charm in New Zealand gardens, bringing seasonal interest and structure to your landscape. If you're searching for native trees that lose their leaves in autumn and burst into fresh growth in spring, you'll find there are a few special species worth discovering. Unlike the many evergreen natives, our deciduous natives create captivating displays of autumn colour and offer beautiful forms through winter. Whether you're looking for shade, a striking focal point, or a specimen to enhance biodiversity, choosing from the selection of deciduous NZ native trees will bring natural beauty and adaptability to your garden design.

Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry) tree with masses of black berries.

Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry)

Aristotelia serrata, commonly known as Wineberry or Makomako, is a fast-growing, deciduous native tree of New Zealand. It features serrated green leaves, reddish young stems, and masses of small pinkish-red flowers in spring, followed by dark berries that attract birds.

From $22.01

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
Hoheria angustifolia green foliage with masses of white flowers.

Hoheria angustifolia

5 from 1 customers

Hoheria angustifolia, commonly known as Houhere or Narrow leaved Lacebark, is a fast growing New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful form and profusion of white flowers. This deciduous to semi evergreen species produces masses of star shaped blooms in summer that attract bees and butterflies.

From $64.79

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian, White
Plagianthus regius as a small tree in a garden.
Plagianthus regius (Ribbonwood)

Plagianthus regius, commonly known as Ribbonwood or Manatu, is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing native trees. It can reach 10–15 metres tall and...

From$24.77
A large Prumnopitys ferruginea (Miro Tree) with lush, green foliage.
Prumnopitys ferruginea

Prumnopitys ferruginea, commonly known as Miro, is a majestic New Zealand native tree belonging to the Podocarp family. This long lived evergreen...

From$408.85
fuscospora-cliffortioides-4
Fuscospora cliffortioides

Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech) is a distinctive New Zealand native evergreen tree valued for its fine foliage, natural form, and strong...

From$270.40
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$589.90
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$323.65
Hoheria 'Alba Variegata' variegated foliage with white flowers.
Hoheria populnea 'Alba Variegata'

Hoheria populnea 'Alba Variegata' is a striking NZ native tree prized for its distinctive foliage and seasonal displays. This evergreen variety...

From$494.05
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$323.65
A lagre Podocarpus totara tree about 150 years of age.
Podocarpus totara

Podocarpus totara, commonly known as the Totara tree, is a majestic native tree of New Zealand, prized for its durable timber and cultural...

From$270.40
fuscospora-solandri-
Fuscospora solandri

Fuscospora solandri (Black Beech) is a distinctive New Zealand native evergreen tree valued for its fine foliage, dense canopy, and strong natural...

From$270.40
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
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...

From$309.51
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$270.40
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$313.00
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$515.35
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) shrubs in a native reserve.
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)

Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as Manuka or New Zealand Tea Tree, is a hardy native shrub prized for its aromatic foliage and masses of white...

From$13.73
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$515.35
Hedycarya arborea tree with lush green foliage.
Hedycarya arborea

Hedycarya arborea, commonly known as Pigeonwood, is a New Zealand native tree valued for its attractive foliage and wildlife benefits. This evergreen...

From$494.05
Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo) olive-green foliage and red flowers.
Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo)

Pittosporum crassifolium, commonly known as Karo, is a hardy, evergreen shrub or small tree native to New Zealand. It features dense, grey-green...

From$22.01
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) trees growing in a modern garden.
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

Beilschmiedia tarairi, commonly known as the Taraire tree, is a unique, NZ native tree. Its prominent feature is the masses of olive-like, purple...

From$270.40
Corynocarpus laevigatus (Karaka) tree with lush foliage.
Corynocarpus laevigatus

Corynocarpus laevigatus, commonly known as Karaka, is a handsome, NZ native tree that features large and glossy, green leaves. The lush foliage is...

From$23.39
Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka) tree with green-yellow foliage.
Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka)

Libocedrus plumosa, commonly known as Kawaka, is a majestic NZ native conifer valued for its graceful, feathery foliage and elegant pyramidal form...

From$323.65
Sophora tetraptera (Large-leaved Kowhai) yellow flowers.
Sophora tetraptera (Large Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora tetraptera, commonly known as the Large Leaved Kowhai, is a striking New Zealand native tree admired for its bold foliage and spectacular...

From$24.15
A Sophora godleyi specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora godleyi (Godleys Kowhai)

Sophora godleyi is a magnificent New Zealand native tree valued for its graceful weeping branches and bright yellow flowers that appear in spring...

From$323.65
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$270.40
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$169.24
A Kunzea robusta shrub with masses of pretty, white flowers.
Kunzea robusta

Kunzea robusta (White Tea Tree) is a fast growing NZ native tree known for its fine foliage and masses of small white flowers that attract bees and...

From$8.97
A Metrosideros robusta (Northern Rata) tree in full flower in a native reserve.
Metrosideros robusta

Metrosideros robusta, commonly known as Northern Rata, is a majestic New Zealand native tree renowned for its brilliant red flowers and large...

From$323.65
ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
Dysoxylum spectabile tree.
Dysoxylum spectabile (New Zealand Mahogany)

Dysoxylum spectabile, commonly known as Kohekohe, is a majestic NZ native tree admired for its glossy dark green leaves and clusters of fragrant...

From$323.65
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$99.29
Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aristotelia, Fuscospora, and Hoheria, or related Categories - Deciduous Trees, and Evergreen Trees.

Search deciduous nz native trees

Why Plant Deciduous NZ Native Trees?

Deciduous NZ native trees add distinctive character to both rural and urban gardens. As they shed their leaves in autumn, these trees invite light into the garden during winter and allow for underplanting with bulbs or winter-flowering shrubs. In spring, the lush new foliage signals the return of warmer days and supports native birdlife and pollinators. Deciduous natives are also a fantastic way to celebrate New Zealand's botanical heritage in your home landscaping.

Notable Deciduous NZ Native Trees

While most New Zealand native trees are evergreen, a few stand out for their seasonal shedding habits. Perhaps the most iconic is the kōwhai (Sophora species), famed for its golden spring flowers and delicate foliage that drops in winter. Other notable natives include ribbonwood (Plagianthus regius), known for its airy form and attractive leaves that colour in autumn, and some strains of tree fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata), New Zealand's largest fuchsia.

Although these trees are less common than their evergreen relatives, they perform beautifully in gardens, parks, and restoration projects. Many gardeners also appreciate deciduous companions, such as the beautiful Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ) and Melia azedarach (Bead Tree), adding seasonal interest and a bounty for wildlife.

Choosing the Right Deciduous Tree for Your Space

Selecting the right deciduous NZ native tree depends on your garden's size, soil and conditions. The kōwhai thrives in well-drained soils and full sun, quickly growing to showcase its renowned yellow blooms. Ribbonwood suits larger spaces and makes an excellent shade or shelter tree. Tree fuchsia prefers moist, sheltered sites and brings unique mahogany-coloured bark and edible berries.

For those who love to mix natives with stunning exotics, trees like the Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk) and Laurelia novae-zelandiae can complement native plantings, creating layers of interest year-round. Don't overlook conifers: Prumnopitys ferruginea is a unique podocarp that, while mostly evergreen, partners beautifully with deciduous natives in larger landscapes.

Planting and Caring for Deciduous NZ Native Trees

When planting deciduous NZ native trees, choose a site with protection from strong wind and space for the mature canopy. Mulching and regular watering during establishment help young trees thrive. These species generally require little maintenance, but a light prune in late winter (while dormant) can encourage strong growth and attractive form.

If you’re passionate about New Zealand biodiversity and want a landscape that shifts with the seasons, explore our selection of deciduous NZ native trees and their compatible companions. Embrace the artistry of changing foliage and the ecological value these unique natives bring to every garden.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
While Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald' and Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood) are household names, Camellia 'Yuletide', Nestegis montana (Narrow-Leaved Maire), and Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai) are rising stars in the plant world.
–The Plant Company

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