Sophora Gnome

Sophora howinsula Gnome

Sophora howinsula Gnome is a slow-growing variety of Kowhai with lovely form and showy flowering. In summer it produces masses of golden flowers which attract nectar feeding birds. It has mid green, fern like foliage that has a soft appearance which is carried on gently arching branches. This small tree grows with a vase shape to about 1.8 m tall and the same wide, performing best when grown in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained site. It will tolerate dry periods, semi-wet soils, coastal conditions, frost, and some wind. Sophora howinsula Gnome is a useful tree for any native planting and is commonly grown as a specimen, planted to attract birds, maintained in a courtyard garden, or included in a mixed planting.