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sophora tree

The sophora tree is a celebrated feature of New Zealand gardens, valued for its elegant form, golden blooms, and ability to attract native wildlife. Known commonly as kowhai, sophora trees are admired not only for their striking appearance but also for their adaptability to a variety of landscapes. Whether you are looking for a statement specimen or an eco-friendly addition to your garden, the sophora tree makes an excellent choice. On this page, you'll discover the unique qualities of the sophora tree, its uses, care tips, and popular varieties to help you select the right sophora for your outdoor space.

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. This coastal kōwhai is fast growing, hardy, and highly attractive to native birds such as tūī and kererū.

From $33.05

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
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. This kōwhai variety is fast growing, hardy, and an excellent choice for adding beauty and attracting native birds such as tūī and kererū.

From $323.65

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 15.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Wind
Garden uses: Ponds, Screening
Garden styles: Architectural, 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$323.65
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$28.91
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 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
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...

From$26.15
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
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$28.91
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$387.55
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$24.15
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Acer Esk Sunset (Eskimo Sunset Maple)

Acer pseudoplatanus Esk Sunset, commonly known as the Eskimo Sunset Sycamore Maple, is grown for its rich and colourful foliage. The lush leaves on...

From$299.95
A Parrotia persica 'Pendula' specimen tree with pendulous green foliage.
Parrotia persica pendula (Weeping Persian Ironwood)

Parrotia persica 'Pendula', commonly known as the Weeping Persian Ironwood, is a tree grown for its fantastic autumn colours and weeping growth...

From$270.40
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Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls

Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls is a variety of the commonly known, Swamp Cypress, and is a fabulous weeping tree that will tolerate heavy soils...

From$387.55
Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.
Tabebuia rosea (Pink Poui)

Tabebuia rosea is a spectacular flowering tree admired for its masses of soft pink trumpet shaped blooms that appear before the foliage in spring...

From$41.33
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$376.90
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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$13.40
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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$349.95
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Magnolia Heaven Scent (Magnolia soulangeana Heaven Scent)

Magnolia soulangeana Heaven Scent is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These...

From$387.55
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Magnolia Charles Raffill (Magnolia campbellii Charles Raffill)

Magnolia campbellii Charles Raffill is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, pink and white flowers in spring. The lovely blooms are...

From$515.35
Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark) branch with masses of white flowers and green foliage.
Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark)

Hoheria sextylosa, commonly known as Lacebark or the Lace Bark Tree, is a quick growing, NZ native tree. The bark has a lace like appearance, hence...

From$19.25
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Palm Tree Fertiliser (Palm Tree Fertiliser)

Choosing the correct Palm tree fertiliser is essential for producing better quality foliage, stronger fronds, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$13.40
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Magnolia Teddy Bear (Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear)

Magnolia grandiflora Teddy Bear, commonly known as the Magnolia Teddy Bear Tree, is a variety of Southern Magnolia, and is an evergreen tree with...

From$270.40
schinus-molle-3
Schinus molle (Peruvian Peppercorn)

Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree) is an elegant evergreen tree admired for its graceful weeping branches, fine textured foliage, and attractive...

From$281.05
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Cloth Tree Tie

These soft ties are used for trees, tomatoes, and other plants you wish to keep securely fastened without causing any damage to the plant. Each roll...

From$9.28
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
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Tree Guards (Tree Guards)

Our tree guards and plant shelters are bio-degradable products that are perfect for using in riparian areas and other exposed positions. They are...

From$5.00
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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$270.40
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7
Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

From$28.91
magnolia-strawberry-fields-1
Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

From$515.35
Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' pink flowers and lush, green foliage.
Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea'

Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' (Silk Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree valued for its graceful spreading canopy, fern like foliage, and masses of...

From$344.95
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$557.95
Sophora chathamica

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search sophora tree

Why Choose a Sophora Tree for Your Garden?

Sophora trees are renowned for their graceful, airy foliage and dazzling clusters of yellow flowers that bloom from late winter through spring. Their nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for tui, bellbirds, and other native birds, making the sophora tree a perfect option for encouraging biodiversity in your garden. Hardy and drought-tolerant once established, sophora trees thrive in New Zealand’s varied climates, from coastal sites to sheltered urban gardens.

Popular Sophora Tree Varieties

There is a sophora tree to suit every setting. Gardeners looking for a compact, upright habit might consider Sophora 'Milligold', a refined selection with finely divided foliage and abundant blooms. For dramatic foliage, Sophora chathamica stands out with its lush leaves and exceptional performance in coastal gardens. If you admire weeping forms, Sophora japonica 'Pendula' (Weeping Japanese Pagoda Tree) provides a graceful silhouette, adding elegance to any landscape. The striking Sophora godleyi (Godleys Kowhai) features cascading branches and vibrant golden flowers. Another option is Sophora fulvida, which is valued for its resilience and compact growth.

Sophora Tree Uses and Benefits

The sophora tree's versatility makes it ideal for a range of uses. Its moderate size and root system allow it to be planted near patios or driveways, while its flowers provide a long-lasting show throughout the spring months. Sophora trees are commonly used as feature trees, shelterbelts, or as part of a native planting scheme. Their foliage creates light, dappled shade perfect for underplanting with ferns or native shrubs. In addition to beautifying spaces, sophora trees support native ecosystems by giving food and habitat to birds and beneficial insects.

How to Grow and Care for Your Sophora Tree

Sophora trees flourish in well-drained soils with plenty of sunlight, though they will tolerate partial shade. Plant in a position sheltered from harsh winds, and water regularly during establishment. Once your sophora tree settles in, it’s typically low-maintenance—just prune lightly to shape after flowering if needed. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Sophoras are generally pest-resistant but, when young, may require protection from browsing animals.

Find the Perfect Sophora Tree for Your Landscape

With their show-stopping blooms, native bird appeal, and versatile form, sophora trees are a can’t-miss addition to any New Zealand garden. Browse our range of specialty sophora varieties, including Sophora 'Milligold', Sophora japonica 'Pendula' (Weeping Japanese Pagoda Tree), Sophora chathamica, Sophora godleyi (Godleys Kowhai), and Sophora fulvida to find the ideal plant for your garden. Enjoy the beauty and benefits of a sophora tree and create a vibrant, bird-friendly outdoor space for years to come.

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.
Sambucus nigra and Gardenia radicans have stood the test of time, but new generations of gardeners are discovering Hedera helix 'Golden Ingot', Coprosma 'Red Rocks', and Lavender 'Major'.
–The Plant Company

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