Sophora Microphylla 'Dragons Gold'

Sophora microphylla ‘Dragon’s Gold’, commonly known as Kōwhai, is a stunning compact New Zealand native tree prized for its masses of brilliant golden-yellow flowers and naturally tidy growth habit. Flowering from late winter into spring, this exceptional selection produces an abundance of nectar-rich blooms that attract tūī, bellbirds and kererū, bringing both colour and birdlife into the garden when little else is flowering.

Compared with the common Kōwhai, ‘Dragon’s Gold’ has a denser, more compact form, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens where space is limited. Its elegant weeping branches are clothed in fine, delicate foliage that creates year-round texture and a soft, graceful appearance. During the flowering season, the foliage is almost hidden beneath cascades of vibrant golden blooms, creating one of the most spectacular displays of any New Zealand native tree.

Exceptionally hardy and adaptable, Dragon’s Gold thrives in a wide range of New Zealand conditions, tolerating frost, wind, dry periods and coastal exposure once established. It performs beautifully as a specimen tree, in native planting schemes, lifestyle blocks or as a feature near patios where its flowers and visiting native birds can be enjoyed up close.

If you’re looking for a compact Kōwhai that delivers outstanding flowering and year-round appeal, Sophora microphylla ‘Dragon’s Gold’ is an exceptional choice.

Why You’ll Love It

• Masses of brilliant golden-yellow flowers in late winter and spring
• A compact Kōwhai perfect for smaller gardens
• Attracts tūī, bellbirds and kererū with nectar-rich flowers
• Beautiful fine-textured native foliage year-round
• Excellent feature tree for modern or native landscapes
• Hardy, drought tolerant and frost resistant once established
• One of the earliest sources of nectar for native birds
• Low maintenance and easy to grow