top of page
Okarito Native Plants Trust Logo

Kowhai

Price

$4.00

Kowhai (Sophora microphylla) is a hardy, semi-deciduous small tree with attractive fern-like foliage. Its bright yellow, horn-shaped flowers are a favourite of native birds, making it an essential addition to any revegetation project.  

Young trees often have tangled branches and may take up to 10 years to flower. Kōwhai is commonly used as a shade tree, a striking specimen in gardens, or as part of integrated native plantings. It is also well suited to upper bank areas in riparian restoration projects.

 

Height/Spread: 8-10/306m

Leaves: Up to 150 mm long with very small leaflets, not crowded.

Flowering Time: August-October

Growth Rate: Medium

 

It tolerates many conditions but grows best in fullsun on a well drained site.

Size

Quantity

RETURN & REFUND POLICY

Due to the nature of live plants, we do not accept general returns.

SHIPPING INFO

We are pleased to offer nationwide shipping for our native plants. Below are our shipping guidelines and rates:

Shipping Areas & Timeframes

  • We ship across New Zealand, excluding offshore islands.

Packaging & Handling

  • Plants are carefully packed to minimize damage during transit.
  • Orders are sent in eco-friendly packaging where possible.

Shipping Costs

  • Small Orders (e.g., 8 PB2 plants, OR 24 root trainer plants, OR 4 PB5 plants) – $28 freight
  • Medium Orders (e.g., 2 cartons as above - 16 PB2’s etc or a mix) – $60 freight
  • Larger orders will be calculated by our team and we will get back to you with best estimate
  • Rural delivery may incur an additional fee.

Pick-Up Option

  • Local customers can opt for free pick-up from Okarito Nursery.

UNDERSTANDING PLANT SIZES

What Does PB Mean?
We list plant sizes using terms like PB2 or Root Trainer, which refer to the container size. PB stands for “Planter Bag,” and the number equals the volume in pints (1 PB ≈ 568ml).

  • R/T: Small, deep cells for strong roots—great for bulk/restoration.

  • PB2: Small, established, easy to plant.

  • PB5: Medium size, strong roots.

  • PB8: Larger, more mature.

  • PB12: Our biggest, for quick impact.
    Need help choosing? Just ask!

bottom of page