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native tree species

New Zealand’s landscape is enriched by an extraordinary variety of native tree species, each bringing its unique character, ecological value, and beauty to our gardens, parks, and forests. These indigenous trees offer more than just aesthetic appeal; they play crucial roles in supporting wildlife, restoring biodiversity, and grounding our local heritage. Whether you’re exploring options for a native planting project, searching for specimens to enhance a home garden, or wanting to learn more about New Zealand’s remarkable flora, the search for native tree species opens a world of discovery and practical possibilities.

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

Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

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Beilschmiedia tarairi, commonly known as the Taraire tree, is a unique, NZ native tree. Its prominent feature is the masses of olive-like, purple fruits through autumn and winter, which are favoured by birds. Also of interest are the leaves, which, when young, are covered in red-brown hairs that disappear as the tree ages. Taraire grows to about 20 m tall and 7 m wide, with a smooth, brown trunk. Its slow growth rate makes it ideal for long-term landscaping projects, including ecological restoration, park plantings, and as a specimen tree in larger gardens.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 20.00 m
Spread: 7.00 m
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Native
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 spring, this kōwhai attracts native birds such as tūī and kererū, bringing life and colour to the garden. It is naturally hardy, tolerant of coastal conditions, and well suited to a wide range of NZ environments. Sophora fulvida (Southern Kōwhai) makes an excellent specimen or shade tree and is a must have for native landscapes.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
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 large Agathis australis (Kauri tree) in a native reserve.

Agathis australis (New Zealand Kauri)

Agathis australis, commonly known as the Kauri tree, is a revered New Zealand native conifer renowned for its immense size and longevity. Reaching...

From$97.13
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
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$453.48
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

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 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$358.98
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$438.39
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$329.63
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
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.

Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

From$25.58
Hoheria populnea green foliage with white flowers.

Hoheria populnea

Hoheria populnea, commonly known as New Zealand Lacebark, is a graceful native tree admired for its beauty and resilience. It produces masses of...

From$18.83
Hoheria angustifolia green foliage with masses of white flowers.

Hoheria angustifolia

Hoheria angustifolia, commonly known as Houhere or Narrow leaved Lacebark, is a fast growing New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful form...

From$18.83
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
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
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
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
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
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$22.28
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...

From$6.68
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
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...

From$28.28
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...

From$343.89
acer-princeton-gold-

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

From$391.14
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
sequoiadendron-giganteum-

Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the Giant Redwood, is a large, evergreen tree and aptly named for its red coloured wood. It features...

From$299.92
ulmus-lobel-

Ulmus Lobel (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus Lobel is a variety of Dutch Elm tree grown for its colourful foliage and narrow form. The leaves emerge a fresh green colour in spring, age to...

From$343.89
schinus-molle-3

Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree)

Schinus molle, commonly known as the California Pepper Tree, is an evergreen tree grown for its attractive form and foliage. The leaves are bright...

From$299.92
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
magnolia-margaret-helen-

Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

From$343.89
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Agathis, Aristotelia, Beilschmiedia, Cedrela, Dacrycarpus, Dacrydium, Hedycarya, Hoheria, Knightia, Laurelia, Magnolia, Metrosideros, Myoporum, Nestegis, Phyllocladus, Pittosporum, Prumnopitys, Schinus, Sequoiadendron, Sophora, Sorbus Ulmus and Vitex, or related Categories - Deciduous Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

Search native tree species

The Value of Native Trees

Native tree species are the backbone of New Zealand’s ecosystems. By choosing to plant natives, gardeners and landowners contribute directly to the preservation of our environment. Natives are naturally adapted to local conditions, meaning they often require less water, fertiliser, and pest control than exotic trees. They provide vital habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife, helping maintain a balanced local ecosystem. Incorporating native trees also adds authenticity and sense of place to any landscape.

Iconic Examples of New Zealand Native Tree Species

Some native tree species are instantly recognisable and deeply woven into New Zealand’s identity. The mighty Agathis australis (New Zealand Kauri) stands as one of the country’s most celebrated natives, renowned for its towering stature and resilience. For those seeking trees with lush, broad leaves, Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) offers abundant canopy cover and sustainability benefits. Sophora, the genus behind our beloved kowhai trees, includes the striking Sophora fulvida and the rare Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai), both known for their golden flowers and attraction to native birds like tui and bellbird.

Lesser-Known Native Tree Species

Beyond the familiar giants, New Zealand also boasts lesser-known native tree species that bring subtle charm and ecological diversity. The Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine) is a distinctive option, valued for its unique foliage and adaptability, making it suitable for both reforestation projects and urban gardens. Each of these trees contributes a piece to New Zealand’s natural mosaic, thriving in conditions from coastal dunes to limestone hills, and offering opportunities for creative and resilient planting.

Choosing and Planting Native Tree Species

Selecting the right native tree species depends on your site conditions, landscape goals, and the ecological benefits you wish to encourage. Consider factors such as soil type, sun exposure, and local wildlife when making your choices. Grouping complementary species together not only enhances visual appeal but also fosters ecological relationships that reinforce garden health and biodiversity.

Browse our collection of native tree species to discover the perfect match for your landscape. Whether you’re restoring a piece of bush, creating a wildlife haven, or simply enjoying the unique beauty of New Zealand’s flora, planting natives is a rewarding and sustainable investment.

Looking for specific species? Explore our listings for Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire), Sophora fulvida, Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai), Agathis australis (New Zealand Kauri), and Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine) for inspiration and guidance.


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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 Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile) and Dianella 'Little Jess', but garden variety is all about adding surprises like Gardenia Lace Lady, Michelia 'Paton Pink', and Lavender angustifolia 'Hidcote'.
–The Plant Company

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