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

fierce lancewood

The fierce lancewood (Pseudopanax ferox), also known as toothed lancewood, is a striking New Zealand native admired for its unusual, architectural form and fierce appearance. This remarkable tree is a favourite among landscapers and garden enthusiasts looking to create drama and texture with native plantings. With its long, narrow, heavily toothed leaves in the juvenile stage and dramatic transformation as it matures, the fierce lancewood is both a conversation starter and a testament to the diversity of New Zealand’s flora.

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
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$26.15
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$30.29
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$192.51
pseudopanax-lessonii-gold-finger-
Most Popular Pseudopanax 'Gold Finger'

Pseudopanax 'Gold Finger' is a striking New Zealand native shrub valued for its distinctive golden green foliage and strong architectural form. The...

From$270.40
Pseudopanax lessonii purpurea shrub in a garden with purple and green foliage.
Most Popular Pseudopanax lessonii purpurea

Pseudopanax lessonii 'Purpurea' is a striking New Zealand native shrub admired for its rich purple toned foliage and bold architectural form. This...

From$37.19
Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue' speciment tree.
Most Popular Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue'

Pittosporum ‘Wrinkled Blue’ is an attractive, upright evergreen tree known for its distinctive blue-grey foliage and dense, columnar growth habit...

From$22.01
A beautiful Magnolia 'Star Wars' tree with masses of pink flowers.
Most Popular Magnolia 'Star Wars'

Magnolia 'Star Wars' is a striking deciduous magnolia known for its large, star-shaped flowers in shades of deep pink with pale interiors. Blooming...

From$387.55
malus-strathmore-
Most Popular Malus Strathmore

Malus Strathmore is a variety of Crabapple that features red flower buds that open into large, deep pink flowers in spring just as the bronze-red...

From$270.40
A dark pink Magnolia 'Cameo' flower on a young tree before the foliage emerges.
Most Popular Magnolia Cameo

Magnolia 'Cameo' is a stunning deciduous magnolia prized for its upright, tulip-shaped flowers, which appear in early to mid-spring. The blooms are...

From$387.55
A stunning white Magnolia stellata flower.
Most Popular Magnolia stellata

Magnolia stellata, commonly known as the Star Magnolia or Starry Magnolia, features dark pink flower buds that open in spring to reveal star-shaped...

From$270.40
Pseudopanax ferox (Toothed Lancewood)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Pseudopanax or Evergreen Trees. Alternatively, forage through similar ideas like lancewood ferox, and pseudopanax ferox toothed lancewood.

Search Pseudopanax ferox (Toothed Lancewood)

What Makes Fierce Lancewood Unique?

Pseudopanax ferox is easily recognised by its fiercely saw-toothed, leathery leaves, held in a vertical arrangement during its youth. These dark, reddish-green, almost bronze leaves can grow up to a metre long, making young plants particularly eye-catching. Over the years, the lancewood transforms, developing a single upright trunk and a rounded crown of broader, softer leaves. Its unique adaptation is thought to provide defence against browsing by the now-extinct moa, which adds even more interest for passionate plant lovers.

Planting and Growing Tips

Fierce lancewood thrives best in well-drained soils and prefers a sunny to partly shaded site. It’s drought-tolerant once established and copes well with wind and light frost, making it ideal for exposed urban or coastal gardens. Its strong vertical lines are perfect for gardens aiming for a contemporary, low-maintenance look. When mass-planted, it creates an impressive visual impact, and its slow-growing nature means less pruning and maintenance.

Landscaping With Fierce Lancewood

Designers often use fierce lancewood as an architectural specimen due to its striking form. Whether you’re seeking to anchor a modern native garden or add interest to a low-planting area, Pseudopanax ferox stands out in contrast with softer textures or coloured foliage. It pairs beautifully with other native Pseudopanax, such as Pseudopanax arboreus (Five-Finger), Pseudopanax crassifolius (Lancewood), and Pseudopanax Gold Finger, for a layered and dynamic effect. For a coastal or bush-style planting, integrate Pseudopanax lessonii (Coastal Five Finger) to add further interest and adaptability.

Other Interesting Plants for Your Collection

If you love the fierce lancewood for its architectural qualities, you may also appreciate the sculptural forms and foliage of Pseudopanax Cyril Watson or contrasting colours such as Acer negundo 'Kelly's Gold' and Acer palmatum 'Beni-Tsukasa'. For a splash of spring colour, consider the vivid blossoms of Prunus blireiana, or introduce larger specimens like Aesculus hippocastanum Baumannii for a majestic, park-like setting.

Why Choose Fierce Lancewood?

Add fierce lancewood to your landscape to celebrate a truly unique part of New Zealand’s botanical heritage. Its sculptural growth, low maintenance requirements, and incredible adaptability make it an ideal choice for gardens large or small. Embrace this native treasure and enjoy a dynamic transformation from juvenile to adult form that will keep your garden captivating year-round.


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.

Ficus pumila and Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' are tried and true, but new favourites like Prunus Kiku Shidare Zakura, Sophora chathamica, and Cupressus 'Totem' are just waiting to be discovered.
–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.

4.8

445 Google reviews