New Zealand Native Trees
- Rhopalostylis baueri var. cheesemanii – Kermadec Island Nikau Kermadec Island Nikau is a native New Zealand palm from the northern Kermadec Island group. Originating from a warmer climate, it grows noticeably faster than other Nikau varieties. This palm features a more open, umbrella-like form with broader fronds. Each leaflet is slightly spaced, giving the foliage a light, airy appearance that adds a tropical feel to any setting. Over time, it develops a trunk marked with rings from fallen leaves. While young, it prefers a shady position but will tolerate full sun as it matures. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil with a cool root run and benefits from a sheltered location. This makes it ideal for subtropical gardens or protected outdoor spaces. Whether planted as a garden specimen or grown in a large container, it offers year-round appeal. With moderate, slow growth, it can eventually reach up to 10 metres over many years. Cheesemanii is in reference to plants named after the New Zealand botanist Thomas Cheeseman
- Rhopalostylis sapida, commonly known as NZ Nikau, is a native New Zealand palm with elegant tropical appeal. In its juvenile stage, it produces long, graceful fronds reaching up to 3 metres. Over time, a slender trunk develops, marked with rings from fallen leaves. This trunk is crowned with rich green, fan-like fronds that add lush texture to shaded garden spaces. Nikau palms thrive in partial to full shade and prefer moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. They flourish in warm, sheltered environments with protection from strong winds and heavy frosts. For best results, plant in a shady spot with sunlight on the crown and cool, shaded roots. This mimics their natural forest habitat and enhances their appearance. Nikau is an excellent choice for garden specimens or large pots. Though very slow-growing, it can reach 10 metres and more over many years.
- Rhopalostylis sapida ‘Chathamica’ – Chatham or Pitt Island Nikau is a native New Zealand palm originating from the southern Chatham and Pitt Islands. It offers a unique twist on the mainland Nikau. This variety features longer fronds, wider leaflets, and a subtle silvery hue to its stems. Its red fruit are noticeably larger, adding seasonal interest and contrast. Adapted to cooler climates, it tolerates full sun, wind, cold, and coastal conditions better than other Nikau types. It’s also known for its tidier growth habit. Thriving in moist, well-drained soils, this palm is ideal for sheltered gardens or coastal landscapes. Its slow growth makes it easy to manage over time. Although very slow-growing, it can eventually form a trunk and reach up to 10 metres over many years, making it a long-term feature in any garden.
- Native to New Zealand, Sophora chathamica (Coastal Kowhai) is a semi-deciduous tree known for its spreading form and vibrant spring display. It features small, pinnate green leaflets that create a soft, open canopy. Unlike other Kowhai species, Coastal Kowhai does not have a divaricating (Zig-Zag) juvenile stage. Instead, it grows with a naturally elegant structure from an early age, making it easy to identify. In spring, the tree bursts into golden-yellow, tubular flowers arranged in pendulous racemes. These 45mm blooms appear en masse and attract Tui and other nectar-loving birds, adding life and movement to any garden. Coastal Kowhai thrives in moist, well-drained soil and thrives in coastal forest environments. It’s often found on banks overlooking estuarine rivers or sheltered inlets, where it enjoys mild conditions and good drainage. Previously classified as Sophora microphylla, this species is now recognized for its distinct traits. It makes a stunning feature tree in small gardens and typically grows to around 6 metres tall and 4 metres wide.
- Sophora chathamica ‘Milligold’, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is an evergreen native tree from New Zealand. It features deep green foliage and a compact, graceful weeping form. Branches do not have the divaricating (Zig Zag) form and foliage is larger than the smaller microphylla. In spring, it produces masses of bright yellow flowers which makes a spectacular display and also attracts nectar‑seeking birds such as the Tui. ‘Milligold’ prefers well‑drained, moist soil and should not sit in waterlogged areas to avoid root rot. It grows best in full sun or partial shade. Typically reaching 2–4 meters in height and width, it suits courtyards, smaller gardens, and works beautifully as a container specimen.
- Sophora microphylla, commonly known as small-leaved kōwhai, is a graceful, semi-open, semi-deciduous native tree of New Zealand. Its delicate form makes it ideal for smaller gardens, while its vibrant seasonal displays add striking visual interest throughout the year. During its juvenile stage, this species features distinctive zig-zag (divaricating) branches. Over time, these develop into arching, spreading limbs adorned with small, pinnate green leaflets 🌿 that soften its overall form. In spring, golden-yellow tubular flowers bloom in pendulous racemes. These 45mm blossoms appear en masse, attracting Tui and other nectar-loving birds with their rich nectar. This Kowhai thrives in well-drained soil and sheltered spots. It grows happily in full sun or partial shade, making it versatile for various garden settings. Prefers free draining moist soils and is not suitable for waterlogged or extremely dry sites. With proper care, it becomes a stunning feature tree that reaches approximately 5 metres tall and 2.5 metres wide.
- Sophora microphylla 'Dragons Gold', also known as Dwarf Kowhai, is a compact native shrub from New Zealand. It forms a rounded shape with small, pinnate green leaflets, offering year-round visual interest. From late winter to spring, bright yellow flowers bloom earlier than other Kowhai varieties. These tubular blossoms attract Tui and other nectar-loving birds, adding vibrant life to your garden. Dragons Gold prefers a sheltered spot with well-drained soil. It tolerates both full sun and partial shade, making it adaptable to various garden conditions. Ideal for smaller gardens, it can be grown in pots or mass planted to cover larger areas. Its tidy form and easy maintenance also make it perfect for low hedging or borders. Typically, 'Dragons Gold' grows to around 2.5 metres tall and wide, making it a versatile and eye-catching addition to any landscape..
- Sophora tetraptera, commonly known as NZ Kowhai, is a graceful, arching evergreen native tree. It grows slightly larger than its close relative, Sophora microphylla, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a more prominent garden feature. Notably, its dark green pinnate leaves are larger—ranging from 8 to 16 cm—and unlike microphylla, it does not exhibit tangled juvenile growth. In early spring, this tree bursts into golden yellow blooms arranged in racemes of 4 to 10 flowers, which appear earlier than those of microphylla. As a result, it creates a more open and airy visual impact. When in full bloom, NZ Kowhai is truly spectacular. Moreover, it attracts Tui and other nectar-loving birds, adding vibrant life to your garden. Ideally, it prefers a sheltered position with moist, well-drained soil. Ultimately, it grows to approximately 7 x 4 meters, making it a perfect feature tree for smaller gardens.
- 7 x 4m
- Medium 5-10m
- Moderate
- Tree
- Spreading
- Deciduous
- New Zealand/div>
- Sophora Microphylla, Sophora Chathamica
- Green
- Yellow
- No
- Moist well drained
- Prefers a sheltered position
- Small garden, Shade Tree, Feature, Bird Feeding
- From the Three Kings Islands, Tecomanthe speciosa is a vigorous climber with large handsome glossy leaves. The large tubular cream flowers are borne in bunches during the winter months. Tui visit flowers for nectar. Frost sensitive but can be grown successfully in colder districts under the shelter of trees. Ideal grown up a terrace pole, strong trellis, up into trees. Takes some years to flower.
- Vitex lucens, commonly known as Puriri, is a large, spreading native tree of New Zealand, historically prized for its strong and durable timber. Its dark green leaves consist of multiple leaflets joined together, creating a lush and textured canopy. In addition, Puriri produces cup-shaped, dull red flowers around 25mm in size, which are followed by vibrant orange-red fruits. These fruits are highly attractive to native birds, adding life to your garden throughout the seasons. Moreover, this hardy tree thrives near coastal areas and tolerates wind well, making it suitable for exposed sites. While it prefers free-draining soil, it performs best in warmer temperate climates. Whether planted as a striking specimen or integrated into a larger landscape, Puriri offers both beauty and resilience. Ultimately, it can grow to over 15 x 8 meters, although it responds well to pruning and can be shaped to suit smaller spaces.
