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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.

From $28.91

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.

From $323.65

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$323.65
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$515.35
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
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$26.15
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...

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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...

From$24.15
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$229.95
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
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$16.49
Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha' pink flowers amidst dark green foliage.
Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha'

Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha' is a popular evergreen groundcover shrub admired for its dense, spreading habit and masses of pink and cream...

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Metrosideros 'Lighthouse' plant with red flowers and olive-green foliage.
Metrosideros 'Lighthouse'

Metrosideros 'Lighthouse' is a compact and hardy NZ native shrub renowned for its vibrant red flowers that burst into colour during summer. Its...

From$515.35
phylica-pubescens--1
Phylica pubescens

Phylica pubescens (Featherhead) is an attractive evergreen shrub prized for its fine textured foliage and distinctive flower heads. Native to South...

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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$22.01
pimelea-mimosa--1
Pimelea mimosa

Pimelea mimosa is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its fine textured foliage, compact growth habit, and clusters of delicate flowers. This...

From$15.95
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$22.01
Leptospermum 'Burgundy Queen' double red flowers.
Leptospermum 'Burgundy Queen'

Leptospermum 'Burgundy Queen' is a stunning evergreen shrub admired for its profusion of double burgundy red flowers that appear from spring through...

From$27.53
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$15.04
Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club Rush) plants growing in sand and displaying lush, green foliage.
Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club Rush)

Ficinia nodosa, commonly known as Knobby Club Rush, is a NZ native grass that features stout, mid-green foliage. In cold or exposed climates, the...

From$14.84
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
fraxinus-ornus-2
Fraxinus ornus

Fraxinus ornus (Flowering Ash) is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its fragrant creamy white flower clusters that appear in late spring and...

From$387.55
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$16.50
An immaculate Fine Fescue lawn in a modern and formal garden.
Fine Fescue Lawn Seed

Fine Fescue lawn seed is ideal for homeowners seeking a lush, fine-textured lawn that thrives in shaded areas and requires minimal maintenance. This...

From$28.95
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$16.49
Leptospermum 'Martini' pink flower with green foliage.
Leptospermum 'Martini'

Leptospermum 'Martini' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its profusion of pink flowers with red centres that bloom from spring through...

From$27.53
Acer griseum specimen tree in a park.
Acer griseum

Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple) is a highly sought after deciduous tree prized for its beautiful peeling cinnamon coloured bark and outstanding autumn...

From$249.95
A Philodendron melanochrysum plant with dark green, velvet covered leaves growing in a pot.
Philodendron melanochrysum

Philodendron melanochrysum, also known as the Black Gold Philodendron, is a stunning climbing plant prized for its large, velvety, dark green leaves...

From$52.37
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$14.84
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$64.79
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$30.29
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
Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Agathis, Beilschmiedia, and Sophora, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs, and Evergreen Trees.

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.

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.
Our garden favourites Photinia 'Red Robin' and Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Acer rubrum 'Bowhall', Phormium cookianum, and Bulbine frutescens.
–The Plant Company

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