Photo of Sophora tetraptera flower by Velela

Photo by Velela

This work has been released into the public domain by its author.

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Sophora tetraptera

Also Known As

  • Kowhai

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

  • H: 30'
  • W: 15'

planting zones

  • 8a-11

More Options

Sophora tetraptera plant details

Sophora tetraptera is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Sophora tetraptera

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 15 FT wide, 30 FT tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Sophora tetraptera

USDA Zones: 8a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - bright shade
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

?Well worth growing for its large showy flowers [golden-yellow in pendulous clusters], its foliage [compound and covered with silky hairs], and its remarkable necklace-like pod? (Bean); streamside-growing shrub/small tree (15-40'). S/M
"Kowhai" is one of New Zealand's most outstanding ornamental trees. Pinnately compound leaves with round leaflets are covered in golden tomentum, and in spring the plant is covered in showy yellow hanging flowers. It is quite tropical-looking, but totally hardy in Seattle, handling at least 10 °F. HW.

Gardening facts about Sophora tetraptera plant

How to Grow Sophora tetraptera

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - bright shade
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

See other plant types of Sophora for your garden

aka Calia secundiflora, Mescal Bean, Texas Mountain Laurel

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 15'-25'

Width: 5'-15'

  • sun - bright shade
  • drought tolerant
Photo of Sophora secundiflora fruit by Danger Garden
View Plant

Scientific Name: Sophora microphylla 'Hilsop'

aka Kowhai

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

8b-10b

Size

Height: 6'-30'

Width: 6'-20'

  • sun - bright shade
  • regular
Photo of Sophora microphylla 'Sun King' flower by Joshua McCullough
View Plant

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 3'-7'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - dappled shade
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Sophora prostrata 'Little Baby' flower by Cistus Nursery
View Plant

More Options

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 15'-30'

Width: 15'-30'

  • sun - shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Sophora cassioides flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

aka Baptisia villosa, Sophora villosa, Thermopsis caroliniana, Aaron's Rod, Blue Ridge Buckbean, Carolina Bushpea, Carolina Lupine

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3b-10a

Size

Height: 3'-5'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Thermopsis villosa flower by Far Reaches Farm
View Plant

More Options

+15 more Sophora
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