Sophora microphylla
Small-leaved kōwhai
Description:
Beautiful New Zealand native evergreen to semi-evergreen tree known for its fine, delicate foliage and graceful, arching habit. It features small, paired leaflets along slender branches, creating a soft, fern-like appearance. In late winter through spring, it produces masses of bright yellow, pea-shaped flowers that are highly attractive to tūī and other native birds. A hardy and versatile tree, it is valued for its ornamental form, seasonal flowering display, and wildlife benefits.
Height:
4–8m
Width:
3–5m
Position:
Full sun to part shade. Prefers an open position with good light for best flowering. Tolerates wind once established.
Soil:
Adaptable to a range of well-drained soils including sandy, loamy, and poorer soils. Avoid prolonged waterlogged conditions.
Uses:
- Native specimen tree
- Wildlife-friendly gardens (flowers attract tūī and other nectar-feeding birds)
- Coastal and exposed gardens
- Shelter planting
- Feature planting in lawns or larger garden spaces
- Revegetation and native landscapes
Care Tips:
- Water regularly while establishing; once mature it is relatively drought tolerant
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the trunk
- Apply a balanced native plant fertiliser in spring if required
- Prune lightly to shape or remove damaged branches if needed
- Protect young plants from severe frost and animal browsing
- Generally hardy throughout New Zealand, tolerating wind and coastal conditions once established
We have made every effort to display as accurately as possible the grade and quality of the plant in the images.
Plants are subject to availability; there is a slight possibility the plants can be sold before your order is processed. In this instance we can offer a refund or credit and let you know when more plants become available.
