New Zealand Native Trees
- Agathis australis, commonly known as the New Zealand Kauri, is a slow-growing native tree admired for its longevity and architectural beauty. Remarkably, it retains its juvenile, pyramidal form for up to 50 years, making it a unique presence in any landscape. Its narrow, leathery leaves display a striking bronze-green hue, while the smooth grey bark gradually becomes scaly as the tree matures. Over time, adult specimens develop into stately, straight-trunked trees with a rounded crown—adding grandeur and structure to larger garden spaces. Ideally, this species thrives in rich, fertile, moist, and well-draining soil. However, it is intolerant of persistent wetness and does not cope well with strong winds, therefore, it prefers a warm temperate climate and a sheltered position for optimal growth. In the first decade, the Kauri can reach over 6 metres in height. Eventually, mature trees may grow to an impressive 30–50 metres tall so as a result, it makes an exceptional statement tree and a true icon of the New Zealand forest. Whether planted as a legacy tree or a focal point in a native garden, Agathis australis offers timeless appeal and ecological significance.
- Alectryon excelsum - Titoki or the New Zealand Oak is one of Aotearoa’s most beloved native trees, prized for its easy care and striking appearance. Its lush, glossy green pinnate leaves with finely serrated edges create a vibrant, tropical feel in any garden. In early summer, Titoki produces unusual sprays of rusty, woolly, petal-less flowers that have a distinctive reddish-brown colour. These are followed by clusters of small, bright red fruit that are attractive to native birds, adding life to your outdoor space. Best suited to sheltered spots with full sun, Titoki thrives in rich, free-draining soil. With its elegant form and attractive foliage, it makes an excellent specimen tree. Mature size: approximately 7 metres tall by 3 metres wide
- Alectryon excelsus 'Grandis', also known as the Three Kings Island Titoki, is a compact, spreading native tree from New Zealand. It’s ideal for smaller gardens thanks to its modest size. Compared to the standard Titoki, 'Grandis' features larger, glossier leaves and a more compact growth habit. This makes it a standout choice for coastal or urban landscapes. In autumn, it produces fruit with seeds that attract and nourish native birdlife. This seasonal interest adds ecological value to your garden. It prefers full sun and thrives in moist, free-draining soil. However, its tolerance for coastal conditions makes it a versatile option for exposed sites. Growing to approximately 5 meters tall and 3 meters wide, it’s an excellent specimen for compact spaces or mixed native plantings.
- Beilschmiedia taraire, commonly known as Taraire, is a striking New Zealand native tree that brings a bold, tropical presence to any landscape. With its stately, straight trunk and smooth brown bark, Taraire stands tall and proud offering both structure and elegance. Its broad, dark-green leaves feature distinctive depressed veins, giving the tree a lush, exotic appearance. In spring, very small orange flowers emerge in delicate clusters, followed by eye-catching plum purple fruit in autumn. These fruits are especially loved by the native Kererū pigeon, adding ecological value to its ornamental charm. Moreover, Taraire thrives in rich, deeply worked, well-drained soil and prefers a sheltered, temperate environment. Over time, it develops into a large canopy tree, reaching approximately 7 x 4 metres within 10 years. Under ideal conditions, it can eventually attain a mature height of 15–20 metres—making it a true forest giant. Whether planted as a legacy specimen or to enhance native biodiversity, Taraire offers both beauty and significance in New Zealand gardens
- Carpodetus serratus – Putaputaweta is a small, rounded evergreen tree native to New Zealand. Its upright branches carry dark green serrated leaves, giving the tree a distinctive texture and form. In early summer, masses of tiny white flowers appear, creating a delicate display. This tree prefers a sheltered site and tolerates damp conditions, making it versatile in challenging environments. Moreover, Putaputaweta occurs across diverse habitats, from coastal areas to mountain regions, along streams and forest edges. Growing to approximately 5m high and 3m wide, it makes an excellent small shade tree. Interestingly, the epithet serratus comes from Latin, meaning “saw-toothed” or “serrated” and refers to the leaves.
- Cordyline australis, commonly known as the Cabbage Tree or Ti Kouka, is a striking native tree found throughout New Zealand. With its upright trunk and clusters of long, drooping leaves—often reaching up to 1 metre—it resembles a palm and adds architectural flair to any landscape. In late spring, this hardy tree bursts into large heads of creamy white, scented flowers. These blooms are rich in nectar, attracting bees and other pollinators. As summer progresses, the tree produces fruit that draws native birds from January to April, enhancing biodiversity in your garden or property. Cordyline australis thrives in a wide range of environments—from swampy wetlands to dry, windy hill slopes. It’s commonly seen across farmland, open spaces, and scrubland in both the North and South Islands. While it tolerates clay soils, it performs best in free-draining ground and is resistant to coastal winds and harsh conditions. The name “Cabbage Tree” arose from early European settlers who, like Maori, used the tender heart-shoots as a vegetable. Its Latin name, australis, fittingly means “southern” or “of the south,” reflecting its deep roots in New Zealand’s southern landscapes. This iconic tree typically grows to around 6 metres tall and 2 metres wide, making it a bold and resilient choice for coastal gardens, rural properties, and native restoration projects.
- 6 x 2m
- Medium 5-10m
- Slow - Moderate
- Palm
- Upright
- New Zealand/div>
- Nikau Palms
- Green
- White
- Fragrant
- Dry once established, Damp-Wet, Clay
- Coastal, Windy, Hardy
- Bird Feeding, Small Gardens
- Corokia virgata ‘Geenty’s Green’ is a compact, bushy shrub native to New Zealand, celebrated for its vibrant green foliage and star-shaped yellow flowers that bloom in early summer. These are followed by small dark red berries that attract native birds, adding seasonal interest and biodiversity to your garden. Ideal for hedging, this versatile plant trims neatly into a tidy shape, ideal for low hedges or borders in larger or smaller gardens. It can be left to grow naturally into a larger screen as well. Once established, it thrives in exposed coastal, windy or dry conditions, making it a resilient choice for challenging sites. Mature plants reach approximately 2 metres high by 1.2 metres wide. Named in honour of New Zealand plantsman and Corokia enthusiast Mike Geenty, this cultivar has the Latin virgata, meaning “twiggy”—a reference to its fine branching structure.
- Corynocarpus laevigatus – Karaka is a dense, evergreen tree native to New Zealand. Its lush, glossy green foliage creates a bold, tropical impression—perfect for adding instant visual appeal to gardens and landscapes. Flowering in late winter to spring, it produces delicate green-cream clusters. By summer, vibrant orange berry-like fruits emerge, attracting native kererū, who help disperse the seeds. Exceptionally hardy, Karaka withstands strong winds, coastal exposure, and drought. However, it dislikes waterlogged soils. Ideal as a privacy screen or shade canopy, this tree grows to approximately 15–20 metres tall and 8 metres wide.
- Corynocarpus laevigatus ‘Minima’ – Karaka, is a compact male form of the New Zealand native Karaka tree. Its glossy green leaves resemble the standard Karaka but are noticeably smaller, creating a lush, tropical look. As a male cultivar, it rarely produces fruit or seed. This makes it a tidy choice for urban gardens or formal landscapes where minimal litter is preferred. Thriving in full sun, it prefers moist, well-drained soil. It also tolerates coastal conditions and wind, making it highly versatile. With its dense branching and slower growth, ‘Minima’ is ideal for hedging, screening, or shaping into a privacy barrier.Interestingly, the species name laevigatus means “smooth” in Latin, referring to the texture of its foliage. In eight years, it typically reaches around 4.5 x 3.0 metres.
- Silver Fern Iconic New Zealand native tree fern and the inspiration of the national Emblem. Slow-growing, can reach heights of up to 12 meters. Its slender form is adorned with vibrant green fronds that can extend up to 4 meters, distinguished by their striking silver undersides. Can attain up to apx 12 x 4m in ideal conditions. Apx 6 x 4 10yr
- The tallest & most common of NZ’s tree ferns. A fast-growing tree fern with a slender, black trunk that features hexagonal patterns where old fronds have grown. Forms a large crown of gracefully arching fronds up to 5m. Keep well-watered and the soil evenly damp, use a good mulch around the base. Will tolerate sun. Protect from frosts when young. Can attain apx 20 x 5m in ideal conditions. apx 7 x 5m 10yr
- Kahikatea, also known as White Pine, stands as New Zealand’s tallest native tree and commands attention with its strong, upright form. As a coniferous species, it grows relatively fast and develops a bold presence in wetland and lowland environments. In its juvenile stage, Kahikatea features drooping, needle-like foliage with a distinctive brown-bronze hue. Over time, this matures into a mid-green canopy as the tree gains height and structure. For many years, it maintains a columnar to oval shape before eventually opening into a broad, stately crown. Typically found growing in groups across swampy areas throughout New Zealand, Kahikatea thrives in damp soils and performs well in restoration projects and native plantings. Within 10 years, it can reach approximately 10 metres in height and 5 metres in width. Given time, it matures into a towering specimen—often exceeding 40 metres. This iconic tree is not only a symbol of strength and endurance but also plays a vital role in New Zealand’s ecological heritage.
- 10 x 5 in 10 Years, 40+ at maturity
- Tall 10+m
- Fast
- Tree
- Columnar-Oval
- Deciduous
- New Zealand/div>
- Dacrydium Cupressinum, Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, Olea El Greco, Knightia Excelsa, Acer Bowall, Poplar crow’s nest, Quercus robur fastigiata, Carpinus Betulus fastigiata
- Green
- Damp-Wet Tolerant
- Inhabits mostly lowland forests between 0–600 m in North and South Islands
- Statement tree, Bird feeding
- Dacrydium cupressinum – Rimu, is and evergreen conifer native to New Zealand and is one of the most widespread and easily recognised forest trees in both the North and South Islands. With a slow to moderate growth rate, it develops into a commanding presence over time—ideal for both natural landscapes and structured garden settings. In its juvenile form, Rimu presents as a striking, pyramidal specimen with gracefully weeping branches and small, awl-shaped dark green leaves. As the tree matures, it broadens into a more upright form, shedding bark in thick, scaly plates that add rugged texture to its trunk. Thriving in cool, moist conditions, Rimu is well-suited to temperate gardens and native restoration projects. Within 10 years, it typically reaches around 10 metres in height and 4 metres in width. Given time, it can attain a majestic size of up to 25 metres tall and 9 metres wide. Whether planted for its ornamental value or ecological significance, Rimu stands as a bold and enduring symbol of New Zealand’s forest heritage.
- A stout tree fern, distinguished by its thick fibrous, soft trunk which can reach up to 6 m tall, over a very long time. Fronds grow 1-2m in length forming dense crown in the shape of a shuttlecock.. Dead fronds leave a tidy skirt beneath crown. While slower growing It does well in average garden conditions. This variety is suited to a sunny position or light shade. Found in lowland and lower mountain forest. Grows to apx 6 x 2m
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- Description
Wheki or Brown Ponga is a hardy NZ native tree fern. It grows a tall, slender, brown trunk to approx 6m. Fronds can reach 1.5 to 3m in length which give it the appearance of a small “umbrella” on top of the trunk. It is the most popular New Zealand tree fern which is easy to grow and maintain. Hardiness and smaller dimensions make it an excellent garden variety. Height x Width 6 x 3 Height Range Medium 5-10m Growth Rate Moderate Plant Type Palm Shape / Habit Palm Country of Origin New Zealand Similar to Consider Cyathea medularis, Cyathea dealbata, Dicksonia fibrosa. - Leaf
Leaf Colour Green - Flower
Flower Colour Nil - Uses
Specimen Yes Accent Yes Note: Growth, height and grade information are given in good faith but are subject to natural variables beyond our control. - Didymocheton spectabilis – Kohekohe is a striking evergreen tree native to New Zealand. Found naturally in coastal forests across the North Island, it grows quickly and forms a handsome canopy, ideal for coastal gardens. Its large, tropical-looking leaves can reach up to 40cm long. From March to June, elegant, small waxy white flowers bloom directly from the trunk and branches, followed by fruit that enhances its exotic appeal. Kohekohe prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun. It tolerates coastal conditions but dislikes waterlogged areas. In ten years, it typically reaches around 10 x 4 metres. At full maturity, it can grow up to 15 metres tall. Formerly known as Dysoxylum spectabilis, it remains a standout choice for native planting schemes.
- Dodonaea viscosa also known as Ake Ake, is a small, spreading evergreen tree native to New Zealand. Its long, leathery light green leaves bring a fresh, vibrant look to any landscape. In summer, it produces unusual yellow-green papery flower clusters, adding seasonal interest. Once established, Ake Ake is highly tolerant of dry, sandy or rocky soils, salt spray, wind, and drought, but prefers a moist well drained soil. This hardy tree thrives in full sun and is ideal for exposed or coastal sites. It works beautifully as a windbreak or privacy screen in tough conditions. To maintain a dense, bushy form, regular trimming is recommended. Typically, it grows to around 3.5 metres high and 2 metres wide.
- Dodonaea viscosa ‘Purpurea’ – Purple Akeake is a tough, upright native New Zealand tree with bold, glossy purple-red foliage that deepens in colour during the cooler months. In summer, it puts on a show with unusual light red to purple papery flower clusters that add a rugged splash of contrast. Over time, Purple Akeake spreads out, making it a good choice for privacy screening or adding colour into compact garden spaces. It handles a wide range of soil types, salt spray, wind, and drought once established—but thrives best in moist, well-drained soil. Trim regularly to maintain a dense, bushy form. The name viscosa refers to the sticky texture of its seeds. Grows to approximately 3.5m high x 2.0m wide.
- A bold and fast-growing native of New Zealand, Griselinia littoralis 'Broadway Mint' or Kapuka, is a robust shrub or small tree—an impressive variety of littoralis. Its light mint-green leaves are glossy with a wavy edge that adds texture and strength to any landscape. Moreover, this versatile plant is easily clipped into a tidy smaller garden hedge or, if preferred, allowed to grow into a larger, structured screen. Not only does it thrive in coastal conditions, but it also stands up well to strong winds and frosts—making it a reliable choice for exposed sites. For best results, ensure good drainage. Ultimately, it reaches approximately 3.0 x 3.0 meters in size, offering both presence and practicality. Interestingly, the Latin word littoralis translates to “growing by the sea,” a fitting nod to its coastal resilience.
- Griselinia lucida, also known as Akapuka, is a robust New Zealand native. Whether grown as a shrub or shaped into a small, rounded tree, it features thick, glossy lime-green foliage with a bold, tropical feel. Thanks to its compact form, it’s easily trimmed into a neat hedge or left to fill out as a natural screen. Whether facing wind or salt spray, this plant stands strong. It thrives in both full sun and shaded areas, making it a reliable option for coastal gardens or sheltered urban spaces. However, for best results, ensure good drainage. Reaching around 3 metres tall by 2 metres wide, it’s perfect for compact areas needing bold structure and lush greenery.
