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.
typical habitat.
grasslands
open rocky places
coastal scrub
coastal forest
cliff faces
drainage.
dry
free draining
well drained
moist
sun.
full sun
partial shade
mature specifications.
height | 2m
width | 2m
pollinators calendar.
flowering | September - October
fruiting | January - February
did you know?
This species stands out from other New Zealand Sophora species because it retains its divaricating, tangled growth habit throughout its entire life as a shrub, rather than growing out of it into a tree form.