Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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trees to attract native birds nz

Transforming your garden into a haven for native wildlife starts with selecting the right trees to attract native birds NZ. The right plant choices can bring the melodic calls of tūī, kererū, bellbirds, and fantails to your backyard all year round. Planting trees that provide food sources, nesting spots, and shelter encourages native birds to make your garden their home, contributing to local biodiversity and creating a thriving, lively outdoor space.

Hedycarya arborea

Hedycarya arborea, commonly known as Pigeonwood, is a New Zealand native tree valued for its attractive foliage and wildlife benefits. This evergreen tree produces glossy green leaves and clusters of small, fragrant flowers in spring, followed by orange fruit that attract kererū and other native birds. It is an important species for biodiversity and a striking addition to native gardens and restoration projects.

Buy Hedycarya arborea

From $438.39

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Trees

Height: 5.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Garden uses: Ponds, Screening

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native

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. With its lush green foliage and spectacular floral display, Sophora chathamica (Coastal Kōwhai) is perfect for creating a feature tree in NZ gardens. It is well suited to coastal areas and thrives in a range of conditions.

Buy Sophora chathamica

From $358.98

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

Why Plant Trees to Attract Native Birds?

Native trees play a crucial role in supporting Aotearoa’s birdlife. Many native birds rely on specific trees for nectar, fruit, seeds, and insects. By choosing trees to attract native birds NZ, you’ll not only provide nourishment but also enhance your property’s beauty and ecological value. Birds like tūī, korimako (bellbird), and kererū are drawn to flowering and fruiting natives that thrive in a backyard setting.

Top Trees to Attract Native Birds NZ

When selecting trees, look for native species known to offer plentiful nectar, fruit, or shelter throughout the seasons.

Sophora chathamica (Chatham Island Kōwhai)

The brilliant yellow blooms of Sophora chathamica are irresistible to tūī and bellbirds. Flowering in early spring, this kōwhai species produces masses of nectar, providing an essential food source when little else is available.

Hedycarya arborea (Pigeonwood)

For a fruiting option, Hedycarya arborea is a favourite among kererū. This hardy evergreen produces red-orange berries that attract both fruit-eating and insect-loving birds, making it a versatile choice for New Zealand gardens.

Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa)

With striking red flowers in early summer, Knightia excelsa is a magnet for nectar-feeders. Its unique blooms are particularly popular with tūī and korimako, and the tall, slender form makes it suitable for both urban and rural gardens.

Alectryon excelsus (Titoki)

The glossy foliage and vibrant berries of Alectryon excelsus offer both shelter and sustenance for native birds. Titoki is an excellent landscaping tree, providing interest and food for species like kererū and tūī through autumn and winter.

Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai) is another outstanding choice for gardens of all sizes. It features graceful, arching branches and early-spring yellow flowers beloved by nectar-feeding birds.

Creating a Bird-Friendly Garden

To get the most out of your trees to attract native birds NZ, plant a mix of species that flower and fruit at different times of the year. This ensures a year-round buffet for various bird species. Grouping trees together creates sheltered, inviting habitats, while adding water sources and avoiding chemical sprays will further support healthy bird populations.

Start with sturdy, reliable natives like Sophora chathamica, Hedycarya arborea, and Knightia excelsa, and you could soon be hosting a vibrant community of native birdlife right outside your door.

Choose well, and your garden will buzz with activity as native birds return year after year.

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.