prostrate kōwhai

Sophora prostrata | prostrate kōwhai

This dense, tangled, and wiry shrub is prized for being exceptionally tough and hardy, thriving in exposed, cold, dry, and coastal conditions and urban environments. Its small, leathery leaves are sparsely arranged on its distinctive divaricating branches, a growth habit maintained throughout its life. From late winter to spring, bright yellow flowers, hidden among its branches, provide vital nectar for birds, bees, and insects. Ideal for restoration projects in dry woodland areas, this resilient shrub helps condition the soil, making it more hospitable for other species and aiding forest succession.