New Zealand Native Trees
- Hoheria populnea, known as Lacebark, is a compact evergreen tree native to New Zealand. Its slender branches carry fresh, light green leaves that are semi-glossy, veined, and sharply toothed, giving it a delicate yet vibrant appearance. From late summer into autumn, the tree bursts into bloom with masses of starry, snow-white flowers. These striking blossoms often conceal the foliage, creating a dazzling seasonal display. The name “lacebark” refers to its fibrous inner bark, which resembles fine lace. This net-like material can be torn into ribbons and was traditionally used by Māori and Pākehā for weaving hats, capes, and baskets. Thriving in full sun, it prefers moist, well-drained soil that doesn’t dry out too much. With its graceful form and cultural significance, it makes an ideal shade tree for smaller gardens. Expect it to grow to approximately 5 metres tall and 3 metres wide.
- Knightia excelsa, commonly known as Rewarewa, is a striking evergreen native to New Zealand. It forms a slender, erect, and tapering tree with long, green serrated leaves that adds texture and structure to the landscape. In spring, it produces very unusual tubular reddish-brown flowers with yellow tips that are highly attractive to native birds, adding both ecological value and seasonal interest. Because of its upright habit, Rewarewa is ideal for smaller gardens and narrow spaces. Additionally, it is well-suited to coastal gardens. While it tolerates clay soils, overly wet conditions should be avoided. Likewise, phosphate-based fertilizers are not recommended. Typically, it grows to approximately 7 x 3 metres, making it a manageable yet elegant choice for urban and rural settings alike. Interestingly, the Latin name Excelsa refers to its tall, strong stature.
- 7 x 3m
- Medium 5-10m
- Moderate
- Tree
- Columnar
- Evergreen
- New Zealand
- Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, Olea El Greco, Dacrydium Cupressinum, Acer Bowall, Poplar crow’s nest, Quercus robur fastigiata, Carpinus Betulus fastigiata, Dacrycarpus Dacrydoidies, Cupressus totem
- Green
- Reddish Brown
- No
- Prefers Moist well drained, Will tolerate clay, Not Wet
- Coastal, Wind
- Avenue, Small Garden, Bird Feeding, Narrow Spaces
- Kunzea ericoides, commonly known as Kanuka, is a tall, fast-growing New Zealand native tree with a broad, spreading crown. Because of its vigorous growth, it’s widely recognised and valued in native landscapes. Although its tiny needle-like leaves resemble Manuka, they feel noticeably softer to the touch. During summer, small white flowers blanket the tree, creating an almost snow-like effect that’s highly attractive to bees. Compared to Manuka, Kanuka grows larger and produces smaller seeds. Once established, it withstands windy coastal conditions and thrives in dry soils. Furthermore, it tolerates clay, though overly wet areas should be avoided. Extremely hardy, Kanuka reaches approximately 6 x 4 metres. As a result, it’s used extensively as a cover tree to protect newly planted native revegetation, offering both shelter and ecological support.
- Laurelia novae‑zealandiae – Pukatea is an evergreen native tree of New Zealand. It grows quickly, producing fresh green, oval, serrated foliage along shiny black branches. For many years, it maintains a columnar form before eventually developing into a large, round-headed specimen tree. Pukatea thrives in moist to wet, fertile soils. In fact, it excels in temperate to warm subtropical climates with high humidity and consistent rainfall. Its unique strength lies in its ability to grow in poorly drained, swampy areas where other trees often fail. Perfect for wetland areas. This tree is the perfect choice for challenging sites where others would not cope. In natural forest conditions, it can reach heights of up to 35 metres. However, in urban settings with compacted soils, it more commonly grows between 6 and 10 metres, making it suitable for gardens and landscapes.
- Leptospermum scoparium – Manuka or Tea Tree is a compact, native New Zealand tree known for its resilience and beauty. It’s ideal for gardens seeking year-round interest and biodiversity. Dark green foliage is narrow, lance-shaped and sharply pointed. From late autumn to early spring, the tree bursts into single or double flowers, offering a vibrant display and nectar for bees. These are followed by its berries, which resemble tiny hot cross buns. Manuka is also prized for its high-quality honey, making it a valuable addition to any landscape. Hardy and adaptable, Manuka tolerates clay soils and thrives in windy coastal areas or dry conditions once established. Avoid overly wet soils for best results. It typically grows to around 5 meters tall and 3 meters wide.
- An abundant small tree of coastal, lowland, and lower mountain forests throughout the country. Coarsely toothed light green leaves with clusters of tiny greenish-yellow flowers followed by violet or dark blue berries loved by native birds. Whiteywood name comes from the unusual white blotches on the trunk and stems. Protect from strong winds.
- Meryta sinclairii – Puka is a smaller evergreen tree native to New Zealand. Its upright, spreading branches hold huge, tropical-looking leaves that shine deep green. These handsome leaves can reach up to 50cm long and 20cm wide, creating a bold and lush display. From August to April, Puka produces inconspicuous white-green flowers. Shiny black fruits follow and remain year-round, attracting foraging birds anfd adding interest and contrast to the foliage. This tree thrives in warm, frost-free climates with moist, fertile, and well-drained soil. Moreover, it is highly tolerant of wind and salt, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens. Growing to approximately 5 x 3 metres, Puka works beautifully as a stand-alone specimen. It also serves well as a filler at the back of a garden, providing structure and tropical appeal.
- Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pohutukawa, is one of New Zealand’s most iconic native trees. Excelsa stands out as the giant of the species, with a wide-spreading canopy and olive-green foliage. From December, it bursts into bright crimson, fluffy flowers. For this reason it’s often called the New Zealand Christmas tree. Flowers also attract bees, birds, and beneficial insects. Thriving in coastal environments, Pohutukawa trees are incredibly resilient. They endure poor soil, excess moisture, and even drought. Moreover, they withstand salt-laden winds and dry, exposed landscapes. Their thick roots often anchor into cliff faces, showcasing their strength and adaptability. Pohutukawa prefers moist, well-drained earth, but will grow in a wide range of soils. With proper space, this majestic tree can grow up to 15 metres tall and 10 metres wide, making it a stunning feature in larger gardens or coastal settings.
- Metrosideros excelsa 'Lighthouse' is a compact, upright evergreen tree discovered on Rangitoto Island in the Auckland region. Its green leaves feature striking silver-grey undersides, adding texture and contrast to the foliage. In December, vibrant red flowers burst into bloom, covering the entire tree. These blossoms not only dazzle but also produce seeds that attract and nourish small birds. Thriving in coastal environments, this Pohutukawa is impressively resilient. It tolerates poor soils, excess moisture, and even drought conditions with ease. Moreover, it withstands salt-laden winds and arid landscapes. While it adapts to clay and wet soils, it performs best in moist, well-drained earth. Ideal as an avenue or specimen tree, 'Lighthouse' grows to approximately 7 meters tall and 4 meters wide, making it a standout feature in any garden.
- Metrosideros excelsa ‘Long Bay’ – Pohutukawa is a striking evergreen New Zealand native tree. Originating from Long Bay on Auckland’s North Shore, it features fresh lime-green foliage on new growth, adding vibrant colour throughout the year. In late spring, ‘Long Bay’ bursts into brilliant red flowers that cover the tree in a spectacular display. These blooms are not only eye-catching but also provide an important food source for native birds, enhancing biodiversity. Moreover, Metrosideros excelsa flourish in coastal environments and show remarkable resilience. They endure poor soil conditions, excess moisture, and drought, while also withstanding harsh elements such as salt-laden winds and arid landscapes. Additionally, this variety tolerates clay and wet soils, though it thrives best in moist, well-drained earth. Growing to approximately 7 x 5 metres, it makes a beautiful coastal shade tree and a standout feature in any landscape.
- Metrosideros excelsa 'Maori Princess' is a refined cultivar of the iconic Pohutukawa, selected for its upright, pyramidal growth habit. Its foliage is a distinctive deep green, offering a lush contrast to its vivid red flowers. Because of its compact form and neat structure, this tree is ideal for smaller gardens or urban landscapes. In addition, its tidy shape makes it easy to maintain and visually appealing year-round. In late spring, 'Maori Princess' produces brilliant red flowers that cover the tree in a spectacular display. These blooms are not only eye-catching but also serve as a valuable food source for native birds. Consequently, this tree adds both beauty and biodiversity to your garden. Growing to around 7 x 5 metres, it can be clipped to shape, making it suitable as a screen, hedge, or standout specimen. Metrosideros varieties, including 'Maori Princess', thrive in coastal environments and are impressively resilient. They tolerate poor soil, excess moisture, and even drought. Moreover, they withstand salt-laden winds and arid conditions, making them perfect for exposed sites. While they can grow in clay and wet soils, they perform best in moist, well-drained earth. Therefore, this cultivar is not only tough but also an excellent shade tree for compact outdoor spaces.
- Metrosideros excelsa 'Moon Maiden' is a striking natural hybrid of the classic New Zealand Pohutukawa. Unlike its red-flowered relatives, it blooms with sulphur-yellow flowers in December, creating a luminous display. These dazzling blossoms also produce seeds that attract and nourish small native birds, adding life and movement to your garden. As an evergreen, 'Moon Maiden' forms a broad-headed canopy, offering excellent shade. Its thick green leaves feature silver-grey undersides, adding visual depth. Metrosideros thrive in coastal environments and are impressively resilient. They endure poor soil, excess moisture, and drought, making them ideal for exposed or challenging sites. In addition, they tolerate clay and wet soils—an advantage in areas with thin or heavy ground. However, they perform best in moist, well-drained earth. Growing to approximately 6 meters tall and 5 meters wide, 'Moon Maiden' makes a stunning specimen, avenue tree or shade tree
- Metrosideros excelsa 'Scarlet Pimpernel', commonly known as Pohutukawa, is a striking member of New Zealand’s iconic native tree family. This compact evergreen variety features a bushy growth habit and smaller leaves than traditional Pohutukawa, making it ideal for smaller gardens or urban landscapes. Also known as the New Zealand Christmas tree due to its prolific flowering in December when vibrant orange-red flowers bloom which attract bees, birds, and beneficial insects. Renowned for its resilience, 'Scarlet Pimpernel' thrives in coastal environments and tolerates poor soils, excess moisture, drought, and salt-laden winds. It also adapts well to clay and wet conditions, though it prefers moist, well-drained soil for optimal growth. Perfect as a shade tree or trimmed into a screen, this hardy native grows to approximately 4 metres tall and 2 metres wide. A beautiful, low-maintenance choice for coastal and urban planting.
- Metrosideros excelsa x robusta 'Mistral', commonly known as Pohutukawa, is a stunning native tree discovered on the Coromandel Peninsula, located on the north-western coast of New Zealand’s North Island. As a natural hybrid of Metrosideros excelsa and robusta, Mistral offers a more compact and upright form. Its fresh green foliage matures into a darker shade, creating year-round interest. Moreover, its tidy growth habit makes it ideal for smaller spaces. In late spring, Mistral bursts into deep scarlet red flowers that blanket the entire tree, creating a breathtaking display. Not only are these blooms visually striking, but they also attract native birds, adding ecological value to your garden. Growing to approximately 5 x 3 metres, this tree is easily clipped into shape. Therefore, it works beautifully as a screen, hedge, or standout specimen in compact landscapes. Metrosideros varieties thrive in coastal environments and are impressively resilient. They tolerate poor soils, excess moisture, and even drought conditions. Furthermore, they withstand salt-laden winds and arid climates, making them perfect for exposed sites. While they can grow in clay and wet soils, they perform best in moist, well-drained earth. As a result, Mistral is not only hardy but also an excellent shade tree for smaller gardens.
- Metrosideros excelsa x umbellata ‘Maungapiko’ – Pohutukawa is an evergreen tree native to New Zealand. As a cross between Southern Rata and Pohutukawa, it develops a narrow, upright form with an open habit. Its slender, glossy dark‑green leaves create a striking contrast in any landscape. Bright crimson flowers appear in December and January, slightly later than most Pohutukawa varieties. This cultivar also tolerates frost better than others. Additionally, Maungapiko thrives in coastal conditions and withstand poor soils, drought, and salt‑laden winds. Although they cope with clay soils, these trees perform best in moist, well‑drained ground and full sun. Growing up to 8 metres tall and 3 metres wide, ‘Maungapiko’ makes a stunning feature for urban gardens, coastal settings, or cooler regions. Can also be used as a shelter belt.
- Myrsine salicina – Toro is a fresh-looking, evergreen tree with a compact, upright form. Native to New Zealand, it adds year-round greenery to gardens and landscapes. Its thick, smooth, and elongated leaves give it a lush appearance. In spring, it produces clusters of small cream to pale pink flowers, followed by vibrant red to purple fruits that attract native birds. The term salicina refers to plants with narrow, pointed, willow-like leaves. Toro is ideal for coastal areas and responds well to trimming, making it easy to shape. Perfect as a small garden tree, it typically grows to around 6 meters tall and 3 meters wide. Its tidy form and resilience make it a versatile choice for various outdoor settings.
- A domed shaped tree grows readily on a clear stem, and can be maintained at a wide variety of heights. Long green linear leaves that can measure up to 100 x 10 millimetres. Slender branches. Found from coast to high altitude forest. The tree’s slender, elongated leaves give the tree a light, airy elegance.
- Phyllocladus trichomanoides, also known as Tanekaha or Celery Pine, is a striking evergreen tree native to New Zealand. Its upright, pyramidal form and distinctive celery-like foliage make it a standout in any landscape. The tree features a straight, tapering trunk with smooth, light grey bark. Its rising branches add structure and elegance to gardens and natural settings. Tanekaha grows moderately fast and prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun. It thrives in temperate to subtropical climates, making it a versatile choice for many regions. Typically, it reaches around 8 x 4 meters within 10 years. However, under ideal conditions, it can grow up to 20 meters tall, offering both shade and visual impact.
- Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ is a smaller evergreen tree native to New Zealand. It forms a rounded shape with smooth, dark green, pointed leathery leaves, creating an attractive and compact appearance. This variety is highly useful for hedging and screening. Small purple flowers, lightly scented and most fragrant in the quiet of early morning or evening, produce seed that attracts small feeding birds. Originating from a windy island in the Cook Strait, it is well-suited to exposed coastal gardens. Moreover, it can withstand salt spray and thrives in moist, well-drained soils. Growing to approximately 4 x 2 metres, Pittosporum ‘Stephen’s Island’ makes an excellent smaller hedge. When kept trimmed, it maintains bushiness and provides year-round structure and greenery.
- Pittosporum cornifolium – Tawhiri Karo is a compact, evergreen shrub native to New Zealand. This rare Pittosporum variety features leathery, dark green leaves up to 6cm long, arranged in whorls that resemble a vireya rhododendron. In late winter, it produces sweetly scented yellow flowers that add charm and fragrance to sheltered garden spaces. Its unique foliage and blooms make it a standout feature. This shrub prefers moist, well-drained soil and thrives in a sheltered position. It’s ideal for smaller gardens or can be grown successfully in pots. Typically growing to around 2 metres tall and wide, Tawhiri Karo offers structure and interest without overwhelming limited spaces.
