Introduction
Overview
New Zealand native flowering plants display a remarkable diversity of forms, colours, and ecological strategies. From the iconic kōwhai (Sophora spp.) with its bright yellow blooms to the vibrant red flowers of the pōhutukawa ( Metrosideros excelsa ), these plants provide essential food for native birds and insects. Many species, such as Clianthus maximus (Kākābeak) and Veronica salicifolia (Koromiko) (Hebe salicifolia is a synonym of Veronica salicifolia), are popular in gardens for their ornamental value and ability to attract pollinators. Native flowering plants are crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting biodiversity.
About New Zealand's Native Flowers
New Zealand's native flowering plants offer unique colours and forms that have evolved in isolation. While often more subtle than exotic garden varieties, our native flowers have special adaptations to local conditions and provide essential food for native birds, bees, and other pollinators. Alpine specialists like NZ Plantain showcase remarkable evolutionary adaptations to high-altitude environments, while spectacular bloomers like Mountain Buttercup create brilliant golden carpets of colour across New Zealand's high country. Adding native flowering plants to your garden helps support local ecosystems.
Explore Our Native Flowering Plants
Aciphylla polita
Aciphylla polita
Aciphylla polita is a small speargrass endemic to the mountains of the northern South Island, especially North-west Nelson and Kahurangi National Park, where it grows at.
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Aciphylla spedenii
Aciphylla spedenii
Aciphylla spedenii is a small, cushion-forming speargrass in the carrot family (Apiaceae), endemic to the Eyre Mountains of northern Southland.
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Aciphylla trifoliolata
Aciphylla trifoliolata
Aciphylla trifoliolata is a stout, rosette-forming speargrass in the carrot family known only from the Lyell Range above the upper Buller Gorge in the South Island.
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Stylidium subulatum
Stylidium subulatum
Stylidium subulatum , long known as Oreostylidium subulatum , is New Zealand's only trigger plant, a tiny endemic herb of damp grassland, boggy ground and herbfield.
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Pterostylis patens
Pterostylis patens
Tutukiwi ( Pterostylis patens ) is an endemic greenhood orchid that forms dense colonies on the floor of beech forest, montane cloud forest and subalpine scrub.
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Myriophyllum triphyllum
Myriophyllum triphyllum
Water milfoil ( Myriophyllum triphyllum ) is an endemic New Zealand aquatic herb that grows rooted in the beds of lakes, ponds and slow streams.
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Epilobium alsinoides
Epilobium alsinoides
Epilobium alsinoides is a delicate, low-growing endemic willowherb about 20 cm tall, covered in fine hairs, with small opposite oval leaves 3 to 8 mm long and white.
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Epilobium atriplicifolium
Epilobium atriplicifolium
Epilobium atriplicifolium is a small, much-branched willowherb endemic to New Zealand.
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Epilobium cinereum
Epilobium cinereum
Epilobium cinereum is an upright, heavily branched willowherb 15 to 60 cm tall, with ash-grey, often red-tinged hairy stems and leaves and widely opening rose-purple.
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Epilobium hectorii
Epilobium hectorii
Epilobium hectorii is a delicate, slender willowherb 5 to 25 cm tall, densely covered in short crisp hairs, with narrow bluish-green to bronze-green leaves and small.
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Epilobium insulare
Epilobium insulare
Epilobium insulare is a loosely matted, soft-stemmed willowherb of open marshes, bogs and lake margins.
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Epilobium microphyllum
Epilobium microphyllum
Epilobium microphyllum is a small, tufted willowherb endemic to New Zealand, recognised by its numerous wiry, purple-black stems up to about 28 cm long, its tiny rounded.
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Epilobium porphyrium
Epilobium porphyrium
Epilobium porphyrium is a small, tufted alpine willowherb endemic to the South Island, 4 to 20 cm tall, whose whole plant has a dull purple or purplish green colour.
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Epilobium rostratum
Epilobium rostratum
Epilobium rostratum is a low, tufted willowherb endemic to the eastern South Island, only 4 to 12 cm tall and well branched from the base.
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Cyrtostylis oblonga
Cyrtostylis oblonga
Winter orchid ( Cyrtostylis oblonga ) is a tiny terrestrial orchid endemic to the northern North Island and Manawatāwhi/Three Kings Islands.
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Cyrtostylis rotundifolia
Cyrtostylis rotundifolia
Winter orchid ( Cyrtostylis rotundifolia ) is a small native ground orchid with a single grey-green, rounded leaf marked with whitish veins.
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Craspedia incana
Craspedia incana
Craspedia incana is a rosette-forming alpine daisy endemic to the South Island, whose leaves and flower stalks are densely clad in soft, snow-white wool.
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Craspedia lanata var. lanata
Craspedia lanata
Woollyhead ( Craspedia lanata var. lanata ) is an endemic New Zealand daisy that forms low rosettes of leaves densely clad in greyish white wool.
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Craspedia robusta var. pedicellata
Craspedia robusta
Craspedia robusta var. pedicellata is a woollyhead found only on Stewart Island/Rakiura and its outlying islands.
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Craspedia robusta var. robusta
Craspedia robusta
Craspedia robusta var. robusta is the typical form of the largest New Zealand woollyhead.
Learn moreGrowing Native Flowers in Your Garden
Tips for Success with Native Flowers
Native flowering plants can add colour and interest to your garden while providing food for native birds and insects. Most prefer well-draining soil and a sunny position, though some forest species will appreciate partial shade. Consider the natural habitat of each species when planning your garden.