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Small-leaved kowhai ( Sophora microphylla )

Kōwhai

Sophora microphylla, family Fabaceae

New Zealand’s bright yellow flowering tree with weeping branches

Photo: Andy McKay, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Kōwhai is a tall native New Zealand tree known for its drooping clusters of vivid yellow flowers. It grows wild across both main islands, especially in the south, and is unofficially regarded as the country’s national flower.

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  • Unofficial national flower of New Zealand
  • All parts are poisonous, especially the seeds
  • Pollinated mainly by tūī birds
  • Fixes nitrogen through root nodules
  • Flowers from August to October in New Zealand

What does Kōwhai look like?

Kōwhai grows into a tall tree, up to 25 metres high, with smooth greyish-brown bark and gracefully drooping branches. Its leaves start small and bushy when young, becoming longer and pinnate with age. The flowers hang in clusters of up to seven, each a bright yellow with a pea-like shape typical of the Fabaceae family.

Where does Kōwhai come from?

This tree is found only in New Zealand and was first described scientifically in 1789 by William Aiton. Though once grouped under other names, it is now recognised as Sophora microphylla. It belongs to a group of Sophora species that arrived in New Zealand relatively recently in evolutionary terms, about two million years ago.

When and how Kōwhai blooms

Kōwhai blooms mainly from August to October in New Zealand, though flowers may appear as early as May. It thrives in open, sunny spots near rivers, lakes, dunes, or hillsides, often on loose or rocky ground. The tree grows quickly and tolerates strong winds well.

Sophora microphylla (kōwhai) flowers and foliage (Haulashore Island form)
Sophora microphylla (kōwhai) flowers and foliage (Haulashore Island form). Photo: Grapeman4, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sophora microphylla, Bucklands Crossing, New Zealand, 2020-09-06 (iNaturalist).
Sophora microphylla, Bucklands Crossing, New Zealand, 2020-09-06 (iNaturalist).. Photo: John Barkla, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sophora microphylla, Hurunui, NZ-CA, NZ, 2021-12-22 (iNaturalist).
Sophora microphylla, Hurunui, NZ-CA, NZ, 2021-12-22 (iNaturalist).. Photo: Jenny Saito, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sophora microphylla, common name kōwhai, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, native to New Zealand. Growing to 8 m tall and broad, it is an evergreen shrub or small tree. Each leaf is 10 cm long with
Sophora microphylla, common name kōwhai, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, native to New Zealand. . Photo: Bernard Spragg. NZ, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

How Kōwhai is used

Māori used its strong, durable wood for tools, weapons, paddles, and building. European settlers valued it for fence posts, railway sleepers, and furniture. The bark was brewed into a remedy for sore throats, and the plant also yielded natural dyes. Its striking flowers have long symbolised New Zealand.

What Kōwhai means

Though not officially declared, kōwhai flowers are widely seen as New Zealand’s national floral emblem. The name 'kōwhai' comes from an old Polynesian word for pod-bearing plants and also means 'yellow' in te reo Māori. The tree features often in local art and cultural identity.

Questions people ask about Kōwhai

Where does kōwhai come from?

Kōwhai is native only to New Zealand, growing mainly in the South Island but also present in the North Island.

Is kōwhai poisonous?

Yes. Every part of the plant contains toxins, especially the seeds. Cytisine is the main alkaloid responsible for its toxicity.

What is kōwhai used for?

Its hard timber was used by Māori for tools and weapons, and by settlers for fencing and construction. The bark treated sore throats, and the flowers symbolise New Zealand.

When does kōwhai bloom?

It typically flowers from August to October in New Zealand, though blooming can begin as early as May.

Why is kōwhai important in New Zealand?

Its bright yellow flowers are an unofficial national symbol and appear often in art and culture. The tree also supports native birds like the tūī.

Good reading and sources

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Sophora microphylla", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

It may contain mistakes. It is not medical or foraging advice: many flowers are poisonous, and traditional uses are reported, not recommended. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.

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Photo credits on this page

The small pictures above come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences. Some are cropped to fit.

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