Hedycarya arborea

Hedycarya arborea Details

Commonly known as Pigeonwood, this is a small tree with attractive, dark green foliage and berries that are a magnet for birds. Clusters of fragrant, white flowers are borne in spring and result in orange-red berries which are a favourite food of the NZ native Wood Pigeon. NB: berries will only be produced when male and female plants are planted together so cluster plantings work well with this plant. This evergreen grows with a rounded crown to about 6 m tall and 4 m wide, and performs best when planted in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained site. It will tolerate a mild frost once established, but young trees do need protecting. Pigeonwood is a must for larger, native plantings or anywhere larger birds are being encouraged.