Kōwhai
Sophora microphylla · Fabaceae · also Kowhai, Weeping kōwhai, Small-leaved kōwhai
New Zealand's best-loved flowering tree, a small tree to 25 m (usually much less) with tiny leaflets and hanging golden flowers in late winter and spring that tūī and bellbirds flock to. Young plants pass through a tangled divaricating stage. It is semi-deciduous, dropping leaves at flowering. All parts, especially the yellow seeds, are poisonous. Sophora tetraptera, the large-leaved kōwhai, is the other common planted species and nursery plants are often hybrids.
Where it stands
Native
This tree evolved here, and local wildlife depends on it.
Adapted
Introduced, but it handles this climate and has not shown a habit of spreading.
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Garden tree in mild areas; introduced per WCVPsource
Care
Plant in sun on drained soil; it can be planted on open sites without nurse cover. Water the first summer; stake in windy places. Prune lightly after flowering if needed. Kōwhai moth caterpillars defoliate trees in summer but they recover. Seed germinates easily if the hard coat is nicked. Keep seeds away from children.
Benefits
Good for