kowhai

Also known as: New Zealand laburnum; pelu tree; winged-podded sophora

A large, spreading semi-evergreen shrub with pinnate leaves to 15cm long, composed of many small, ovate leaflets. Flowers appearing tubular, yellow, to 5cm long, in drooping clusters in late spring

Scientific classification

Species: kowhai (Sophora tetraptera)
Genus: Sophora
Family: Fabaceae

Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Toxicity: Shrubs
Plant type: 4-8 metres
Height: 2.5-4 metres
Spread: Semi evergreen
Foliage: Bushy
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

kowhai pictures

Distribution of kowhai

Distribution map

New Zealand

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Quick identification of kowhai

Information to be completed

kowhai care guide

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer

Pruning

Little pruning is needed. Remove diseased, damaged, crowded or crossing shoots and unwanted growth. Timing depends on the plant: generally late winter or early spring; plants prone to bleeding and deciduous magnolias need different timing, and deciduous azaleas and lilacs are pruned after flowering.