Discover New Zealand's Native Plants

Explore our diverse endemic flora - From iconic Silver Ferns to mighty Kauri trees.

Explore Plant Categories Conservation Status

Welcome to New Zealand Native Plants Guide

New Zealand is home to a remarkable diversity of native plants, from ancient forests of towering kauri and rimu to unique alpine, coastal, and wetland species found nowhere else on Earth. These plants are vital for supporting native wildlife, stabilizing landscapes, and maintaining healthy ecosystems. Many hold deep cultural significance for Māori, who have used them for food, medicine, weaving, and carving for centuries. This website is dedicated to showcasing the beauty, diversity, and importance of New Zealand’s native flora, providing information for gardeners, conservationists, and anyone interested in protecting our botanical heritage.

Explore Plant Categories

Discover the diverse groups of native plants that make up New Zealand's unique ecosystems

Native Trees

Trees

Majestic forest giants and coastal species that define our landscapes.

Explore Trees
Native Shrubs

Shrubs

Versatile and adaptive plants perfect for gardens and natural settings.

Explore Shrubs
Native Ferns

Ferns

Iconic fronds and forest understory plants that symbolize New Zealand.

Explore Ferns
Native Climbers

Climbers

Vines and scramblers that add vertical interest to gardens and forests.

Explore Climbers
Native Grasses and Flax

Grasses & Flax

Striking architectural plants for texture and movement in the landscape.

Explore Grasses & Flax
Ground Covers

Ground Covers

Explore the diverse ground covers of New Zealand, including the iconic Pīngao.

Explore Ground Covers
Coastal Plants

Coastal Plants

Explore the resilient species adapted to New Zealand's dynamic shorelines, including Pīngao.

Explore Coastal Plants
Alpine Plants

Alpine Plants

Unique high-altitude species that thrive in New Zealand's mountain environments.

Explore Alpine Plants
Carex secta (Pūrei) showing its distinctive elevated tussock form

Wetland Plants

Discover plants that thrive in New Zealand's wetlands, swamps, and waterways.
Hypnum cupressiforme (Carpet moss) growing on tree bark

Mosses & Lichens

Ancient, fascinating organisms that carpet our forests and rocky landscapes.

Explore Mosses & Lichens
Leptospermum scoparium (Mānuka) in bloom

Cultural Plants

Discover plants with deep cultural significance in Aotearoa.

 Clianthus maximus (Kākābeak) with its distinctive red flowers

Threatened Species

Learn about our endangered native plants and conservation efforts.
Native Vines

Vines

Climbing and twining plants that add vertical interest and habitat to gardens and forests.

Explore Vines
Flowering Plants

Flowering Plants

Explore New Zealand's diverse native flowering plants, from alpine daisies to forest trees.

Explore Flowering Plants

Featured Plants

Discover some of New Zealand's most beloved botanical treasures

Silver Fern (Cyathea dealbata)

Silver Fern

Cyathea dealbata

New Zealand's iconic symbol featuring distinctive silver undersides.

Learn more
(Cordyline australis)

Cabbage Tree

Cordyline australis

Distinctive palm-like trees with cultural and ecological significance.

Learn more
Pīngao (Ficinia spiralis)

Pīngao

Ficinia spiralis

Golden coastal sedge with cultural significance in traditional Māori weaving.

Learn more

Conservation & Protection

Overview

Join us in preserving New Zealand's botanical heritage for future generations

New Zealand's unique plant life has evolved in isolation for over 80 million years, creating species found nowhere else on Earth. However, habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change threaten many of our botanical treasures.

By growing native plants in our gardens, supporting conservation initiatives, and learning about the ecological importance of these species, we can all contribute to protecting New Zealand's natural heritage.

Each plant on the website will also have its current conservation status.