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sophora species

Sophora species are a remarkable group of native New Zealand trees and shrubs known for their elegant, bright yellow flowers and their ecological importance. Well loved for both their beauty and resilience, these trees—also called kōwhai—serve as stunning garden focal points and vital food sources for native birds such as tui, bellbird, and kererū. If you’re searching for a sophisticated native tree to enhance your landscape, Sophora species offer a wonderful variety of forms, sizes, and flowering habits to suit different garden settings.

Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.

Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

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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
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 its finely divided leaves and masses of golden yellow flowers that appear in spring, attracting native birds such as tui and bellbirds. Naturally found in limited areas of NZ, it makes a stunning specimen tree, adding both ecological value and ornamental appeal to gardens, lifestyle blocks, and revegetation projects.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
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
Sophora 'Goldies Mantle' yellow flowers and green foliage.

Sophora 'Goldie's Mantle'

Sophora 'Goldies Mantle' is a striking New Zealand native kōwhai variety that produces an abundance of brilliant yellow flowers in spring. Its...

From$457.29
Sophora prostrata 'Little Baby' small plant in a pot.

Sophora 'Little Baby'

Sophora 'Little Baby' is a delightful dwarf kōwhai variety that produces masses of golden yellow flowers in spring. With its compact size and dense...

From$25.58
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
Sophora molloyi 'Dragons Gold' small trees in full flower at The Plant Company.

Sophora 'Dragon's Gold'

Sophora 'Dragons Gold' is a highly ornamental NZ native shrub renowned for its early and vibrant golden yellow flowers. Blooming in late winter and...

From$28.28
Sophora prostrata plant growing with a backdrop of Coprosma 'Poor Knights'.

Sophora prostrata

Sophora prostrata (Prostrate Kōwhai) is a unique New Zealand native shrub known for its distinctive zigzag stems and small bright yellow flowers...

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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...

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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...

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photinia-super-red--1

Photinia Super Red (Red Robin)

Landscaping uses for Sophora 'Goldies Mantle'

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prunus-spire-

Prunus Spire

Growing Sophora 'Goldies Mantle' in NZ is straightforward when planted in full sun and free draining soil. It tolerates a variety of conditions...

From$343.89
pittosporum-irish-luck-

Pittosporum Irish Luck (Black Matipo)

Caring for Sophora 'Goldies Mantle' is simple and low maintenance. Pruning after flowering will help maintain its shape and encourage fresh growth...

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Pittosporum ralphii olive-green foliage.

Pittosporum ralphii (Ralphs Karo)

Pittosporum ralphii is a hardy, evergreen native shrub or small tree ideal for hedging, screening, and native planting projects across New Zealand...

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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
Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush) plants in a landscaped garden.

Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush)

Juncus pallidus, commonly known as the Giant Rush, features erect, dark green leaves and grows as a tidy clump, reaching approximately 75 cm in...

From$16.13
Pittosporum 'Limelight' variegated foliage.

Pittosporum 'Limelight' (Kohuhu)

Pittosporum 'Limelight' is a NZ native shrub that features dark green leaves with a lime green centre, held densely on upright stems. This evergreen...

From$229.04
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
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
Libertia paniculata plant with white flowers.

Libertia paniculata (Grass Flag)

Libertia paniculata is an elegant evergreen perennial admired for its fine, upright foliage and delicate white flowers that appear in airy clusters...

From$15.86
Large Coprosma virescens shrub with brown stems and green leaves.

Coprosma virescens (Mikimiki)

Coprosma virescens, also known as Mingimingi or Mikimiki, is a distinctive New Zealand native shrub characterised by its dense, divaricating form...

From$21.53
Juncus edgariae (Wiwi) plants growing in a wetland.

Juncus edgariae (Edgar's Rush)

Juncus edgariae, commonly known as Wiwi, is the most prevalent species of Rush in New Zealand and grows as a tight clump with bright green, stem-like...

From$16.13
Juncus maritimus (Sea Rush) plants growing in saline water.

Juncus maritimus (Sea Rush)

Juncus maritimus, commonly known as Sea Rush, is a species of rush that prevails in coastal areas. It has long and rigid leaves that are lime-green...

From$16.13
Typha orientalis (Raupo) plants with brown seed heads.

Typha orientalis (Raupō)

Typha orientalis, commonly known as Raupo, is a vigorous and erect, NZ native grass. It is found throughout New Zealand in shallow, fertile waters...

From$14.51
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
Chionochloa flavicans (Miniature ToeToe) plants with cascading cream-coloured flowers.

Chionochloa flavicans (Miniature Toetoe)

Chionochloa flavicans, commonly known as Miniature ToeToe or Dwarf Toe Toe, is a highly popular NZ native grass. It has flowing, green foliage and...

From$9.01
Alnus glutinosa imperialis young specimen tree with fine green foliage.

Alnus glutinosa 'Imperialis'

Alnus glutinosa Imperialis is a striking and finely textured alder valued for its elegant foliage and reliable performance in New Zealand landscapes...

From$271.80
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
Ribes rubrum red berries on a shrub.

Ribes rubrum

Ribes rubrum is a productive red currant species valued for its bright, tangy berries and reliable performance in NZ gardens. It forms a tidy shrub...

From$29.63
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
An exquisite Tall Fescue lawn.

Tall Fescue

Tall Fescue is an excellent lawn grass choice for New Zealand homeowners seeking a dark green, tough, and attractive lawn. It is widely used by ready...

From$19.50
Griselinia lucida hedge with lush and large, green foliage.

Griselinia lucida

Griselinia lucida, commonly known as Akapuka, is a striking New Zealand native shrub or small tree characterized by its large, leathery, and glossy...

From$19.58
Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Agathis, Alnus, Chionochloa, Coprosma, Dacrycarpus, Griselinia, Hoheria, Juncus, Libertia, Metrosideros, Photinia, Pittosporum, Prumnopitys, Prunus, Ribes Sophora and Typha, or related Categories - Grass Seed, Currants, Grasses, Perennials, Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees Evergreen Trees and Flowering Cherry Tree.

Search sophora species

Discovering the Diversity of Sophora Species

The Sophora genus includes several unique New Zealand species and cultivated varieties, each with its own appeal. One of the most distinctive is Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai), admired for its lime green foliage and upright habit, ideal for smaller spaces or as a statement specimen. If you’re seeking a classic small-leaved form, Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai) is a favourite, known for its feathery leaves and profuse spring blooms.

Another standout is Sophora chathamica, notable for its robustness and lush, large leaves. This species is well-suited to coastal situations and tolerates wind and salt-laden air, making it perfect for more exposed properties. If you’re after a showstopper for your shrubbery or border, highly ornamental cultivars like Sophora 'Goldie's Mantle' and Sophora 'Milligold' have been developed for exceptional flower displays and garden performance.

Why Choose Sophora Species for Your Garden?

Sophora species are prized not just for their spectacular golden flowers but also for their adaptability and role in supporting local biodiversity. Their nectar-rich blooms attract native birds and insects, making them excellent for eco-friendly landscapes. Most Sophora species are hardy and relatively slow-growing, forgiving of a range of soil types, provided the site is well-drained.

Their natural tolerance of drought and frost, especially as they mature, makes Sophora an excellent option for low-maintenance gardens. Many gardeners choose to plant different Sophora species together, creating a diverse sequence of blooms that extends the feeding season for wildlife.

Popular Sophora Species for New Zealand Gardens

Growing and Caring for Sophora Species

When planting Sophora species, choose a sunny spot with good drainage. Young plants benefit from regular watering and a layer of mulch to keep roots cool, but once established, kōwhai are very resilient. Keep an eye out for browsing by livestock or possums, as young shoots are particularly palatable. With minimal maintenance, you’ll enjoy bursts of golden flowers and native birdlife for years to come.

Explore our full range of kōwhai, including Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai) and other popular Sophora species, to bring the magic of New Zealand natives to your 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.

Our garden favourites Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) and Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Jacaranda mimosifolia (Blue Jacaranda), Rose 'Desiree', and Escallonia 'Snowbud'.
–The Plant Company

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