The Kōwhai in New Zealand 2025
Sweet-scented yellow kowhai flowers allure numerous birds
Best time: September–mid-October
Kōwhai trees bear yellow flowers, which are considered New Zealand's national flower. Their bright color diversifies the green sameness of New Zealand's forests, and their sweet scent allures tuis and bellbirds.
More About Kōwhai
Kōwhai is the common name for Sophora, a genus of flowering trees and shrubs. There are around 45 species of Sophora worldwide, with eight native to the New Zealand botanical region. The most widespread is Sophora microphylla.
All kōwhai species feature leaves with numerous small leaflets arranged along the stem. They vary in form from shrubs with interlacing branches to small trees reaching up to 15 meters in height. Two species, Sophora microphylla and Sophora tetraptera, are brevideciduous, shedding their leaves briefly during seasonal changes.
Best Time to Visit
Kōwhai blooms from late winter to early spring, typically around September. The Sophora genus is found across New Zealand, though some species have a more limited distribution.
Best Places to Observe
Kōwhai trees can be found throughout New Zealand, thriving in diverse environments ranging from coastal areas to mountain slopes, forests, open hillsides, and riverbanks. Their bright yellow flowers are so iconic that they have been featured on coins and postage stamps.
The most common species in Northland is Sophora chathamica, predominantly found in coastal and lowland areas. It grows along the Tutukaka Coast, around Auckland, and on many northern offshore islands, extending south through Wellington and the Chatham Islands.
Healing Properties of Kōwhai
The medicinal properties of kōwhai have been recognized by the Māori and various cultures worldwide where Sophora species grow. Traditionally, an infusion made from the bark was consumed to ease internal pain and applied externally to treat bruises and aid in the removal of internal blood clots.
