Sophora Tetraptera
Sophora tetraptera
Common Names: Large-leaved Kōwhai, North Island Kōwhai
Family: Fabaceae
Origin: New Zealand
Plant Type: Evergreen to Semi-deciduous Tree
Overview:
Sophora tetraptera, commonly known as Large-leaved Kōwhai, is one of New Zealand’s most iconic native trees, celebrated for its brilliant golden-yellow flowers that appear in spring. With its graceful form and bird-attracting blooms, it’s a standout feature tree for both native and mixed landscapes.
Key Features:
Foliage: Soft green, pinnate leaves with larger leaflets than other kōwhai species
Flowers / Fruit: Abundant clusters of bright yellow, pendulous flowers in late winter to spring; followed by distinctive segmented seed pods
Form & Habit: Small to medium tree with an open, spreading canopy and slightly irregular branching
Growth Rate: Moderate
Cultural & Ecological Value: Highly valuable for native birds such as tūī, bellbirds, and kererū; an important nectar source
Mature Size:
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 6–10m |
| Spread | 4–6m |
| Form | Spreading, small tree |
Ideal Growing Conditions:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerant once established |
| Soil | Well-drained soils; tolerates a range from sandy to loam |
| pH Range | Neutral to slightly alkaline |
| Frost Tolerance | Hardy; tolerates moderate frost and wind |
Landscaping & Garden Uses:
-
Iconic specimen tree for gardens and lifestyle blocks
-
Ideal for attracting native birds
-
Suitable for street planting and larger landscapes
-
Great addition to restoration and native planting projects
Care & Maintenance:
Pruning: Minimal; shape when young if required
Watering: Water regularly during establishment; low maintenance once established
Feeding: Not generally required
Pests & Diseases: May be susceptible to kōwhai moth caterpillars; usually recovers well
Additional Tips:
Plant in a sunny, sheltered position for best flowering. Protect young trees from strong winds and frost until established.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight:
Kōwhai flowers are a key seasonal signal in New Zealand, traditionally indicating the arrival of spring and the best time for planting kūmara.
Why Choose Sophora tetraptera?
For a classic New Zealand landscape tree that delivers stunning seasonal colour and supports native wildlife, Sophora tetraptera is hard to beat.
Pot Size: These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.
Original: $5.35
-65%$5.35
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Description
Sophora tetraptera
Common Names: Large-leaved Kōwhai, North Island Kōwhai
Family: Fabaceae
Origin: New Zealand
Plant Type: Evergreen to Semi-deciduous Tree
Overview:
Sophora tetraptera, commonly known as Large-leaved Kōwhai, is one of New Zealand’s most iconic native trees, celebrated for its brilliant golden-yellow flowers that appear in spring. With its graceful form and bird-attracting blooms, it’s a standout feature tree for both native and mixed landscapes.
Key Features:
Foliage: Soft green, pinnate leaves with larger leaflets than other kōwhai species
Flowers / Fruit: Abundant clusters of bright yellow, pendulous flowers in late winter to spring; followed by distinctive segmented seed pods
Form & Habit: Small to medium tree with an open, spreading canopy and slightly irregular branching
Growth Rate: Moderate
Cultural & Ecological Value: Highly valuable for native birds such as tūī, bellbirds, and kererū; an important nectar source
Mature Size:
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 6–10m |
| Spread | 4–6m |
| Form | Spreading, small tree |
Ideal Growing Conditions:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerant once established |
| Soil | Well-drained soils; tolerates a range from sandy to loam |
| pH Range | Neutral to slightly alkaline |
| Frost Tolerance | Hardy; tolerates moderate frost and wind |
Landscaping & Garden Uses:
-
Iconic specimen tree for gardens and lifestyle blocks
-
Ideal for attracting native birds
-
Suitable for street planting and larger landscapes
-
Great addition to restoration and native planting projects
Care & Maintenance:
Pruning: Minimal; shape when young if required
Watering: Water regularly during establishment; low maintenance once established
Feeding: Not generally required
Pests & Diseases: May be susceptible to kōwhai moth caterpillars; usually recovers well
Additional Tips:
Plant in a sunny, sheltered position for best flowering. Protect young trees from strong winds and frost until established.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight:
Kōwhai flowers are a key seasonal signal in New Zealand, traditionally indicating the arrival of spring and the best time for planting kūmara.
Why Choose Sophora tetraptera?
For a classic New Zealand landscape tree that delivers stunning seasonal colour and supports native wildlife, Sophora tetraptera is hard to beat.
Pot Size: These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.
