Sophora Tetraptera

2026-03-18T11:06:40+13:00

Vendor: Kowhai
Type: standard size
Price: 8.99

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.