Kowhai Chathamica (Sophora chathamica) has an elegant upright form. Its lush mid-green foliage comes from the species’ densely-packed small leaves. It attains four metres height within ten years, growing to a maximum 20m. S.chathamica is hardy and does well in coastal or riparian situations. It is found mainly from Wellington, north to upper Waikato, the eastern coasts of Auckland, the eastern Hauraki Gulf, and Chatham Islands. Chathamica’s bright golden flowers blossom before other Sophora species, providing early feed for native birds.

Kowhai Fulvida (Sophora fulvida) has a lyrical spreading form. Large bright yellow drooping blossoms appear in late spring. Achieving a height of four metres within ten years, S.fulvida grows to a maximum of eight metres. This beautiful native’s foliage is tightly-leafed. It flourishes in coastal and riparian environments though its natural environs are restricted to Raglan, and from Waitakere north to Whangarei.

Kowhai Longicarinata (Sophora Longicarinata) The smaller species S.longicarinata grows to six metres with trunk diameter of up to 20cm. It has a distinctively graceful form with slender branches and fine, delicate foliage. The 10-20cm long leaves each carry 20-40 pairs of tiny widely spaced leaflets. S.longicarinata flowers in its sixth or seventh year, but sometimes as early as three years from germination. This species is in full bloom from September to October. It is found in northwest and eastern Nelson, and also in southwestern parts of Marlborough, generally on marble and limestone outcrops. Its’ dainty size is perfect for smaller suburban gardens. It tolerates frost, drought, wind, and coastal conditions and grows well on most soils, though dislikes wet feet.

Kowhai Microphylla (Sophora Microphylla) is the main South Island species of Kowhai. Exhibiting a graceful, almost weeping form, S.microphylla’s spreading shape carries smaller fern-like foliage. It grows to four metres within ten years, to a maximum height of eight metres. A hardy species, it thrives in coastal and riparian environments, and is found New Zealand-wide. Bright yellow flowers are followed by seed pods from spring, when native birds arrive to partake of the nectar feast. This species often exhibits a particularly divaricated juvenile form.

Kowhai Tetrapera (Sophora Tetraptera) has a graceful spreading form with larger, widely-spaced leaves. It grows to four metres by ten years, to a maximum height of twelve metres. Enjoying coastal and riparian environments, this North Island species produces abundant brilliant yellow flowers followed by seed pods from August to November. A favourite of Tui and other nectar-eating birds.