Pseudopanax ferox

Pseudopanax ferox Details

Pseudopanax ferox, commonly known as Fierce or Toothed Lancewood as well as Horoeka, is a NZ native tree that features interesting juvenile and mature forms. The juvenile leaves are long and slender with strongly toothed margins while the adult form is much bushier and has a braided appearance. Juvenile leaf colouring is a mottled brown whereas the adult colouring is grey-blue. It may take 5 or more years to transition from the juvenile to the mature form as it reaches to 8 m tall and 3 m wide. Best performance with this shrub is achieved when it is grown on a well-drained site in full sun or partial shade, though it is tolerant of coastal environments, extended dry periods, and frost once established. Pseudopanax ferox is commonly used as an architectural feature, added to a mixed planting, or grown around the pool or patio areas where it is contained with trimming.