Sophora tetraptera ^Sale

Sophora tetraptera

Large-leaved Kōwhai / New Zealand Kōwhai

Description:
Sophora tetraptera is a striking New Zealand native tree known for its graceful arching branches, large, lush green compound leaves, and spectacular displays of bright yellow, bell-shaped flowers in early spring. It is one of the larger kōwhai species, offering a beautiful combination of native elegance and seasonal drama.

📏 Size:

• Height: 6 – 10 metres
• Width: 4 – 6 metres

🌿 Features:

• Large, feather-like leaves with many pairs of leaflets
• Showy, golden-yellow flowers in early to mid-spring
• Attractive to native birds, especially tūī and bellbirds
• Semi-deciduous — may drop leaves in colder winters
• Strong native identity and iconic to New Zealand landscapes

🌞 Preferred Conditions:

• Light: Full sun is best for flowering
• Soil: Free-draining, moderately fertile soil
• Water: Drought-tolerant once established; dislikes waterlogged conditions
• Climate: Tolerates a wide range, including light frosts and dry summers

🌦 Sophora tetraptera performs very well in our climate, where its warm, humid summers and mild winters provide ideal growing conditions. It thrives in full sun and copes with coastal breezes and occasional strong winds, though some shelter is beneficial in exposed sites.

🏡 Uses:

Excellent as a feature tree, in native revegetation projects, shelter planting, or public landscapes. Its seasonal flowering display and wildlife value make it a must-have in native and biodiversity-focused gardens.