<i>Hoheria angustifolia</i>(Hoheria angustifolia) hero image

Narrow-Leaved Lacebark

Hoheria angustifolia

Not specified

This native plant, known as Hoheria angustifolia(scientific name: Hoheria angustifolia), is a remarkable species endemic to New Zealand. It is characterized by its unique features, ecological role, and cultural significance. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on its care, propagation, and importance within the New Zealand ecosystem. Understanding this plant contributes to the appreciation of our rich biodiversity and heritage, and supports conservation efforts for Browse All.

<i>Hoheria angustifolia</i>(Hoheria angustifolia) showing <i>Hoheria angustifolia</i>growth habit
Image credit: Narrow-Leaved Lacebark (Hoheria angustifolia) - photo by Wikipedia contributors, via Wikipedia

Plant Description

Identification and Physical Characteristics

Hoheria angustifolia (narrow-leaved lacebark/houhere) is a graceful small tree with slender, willow-like leaves and masses of starry white flowers in late summer Discover more aboutNew Zealand. Bark develops the characteristic lace-like inner layer of the genus.

Quick Facts

Hoheria angustifolia quick facts
Scientific Name Hoheria angustifolia
Height Up to 18 m (commonly 10 m)
Spread 4-6 m wide with narrow crown and weeping branches
Water Needs Moderate - adaptable to various moisture conditions
Light Full sun to partial shade
Frost Tolerance Hardy - tolerates moderate frosts
Salt Tolerance Moderate - can handle some coastal exposure
Growth Rate Fast - can reach 3-4 meters in 5 years
Lifespan Long-lived evergreen tree (50+ years)

Climate Best Suited to

Hoheria angustifoliais well adapted to various New Zealand regions.

Regional Suitability

City suitability for Hoheria angustifolia
City Climate Suitability
Auckland High
Wellington High
Christchurch Medium

Plant Habitat

Natural Occurrence and Ecology

Narrow-leaved Lacebark occupies diverse ecological niches throughout New Zealand's lowland forests, displaying remarkable habitat versatility that contributes to its widespread natural distribution and conservation security. The species naturally thrives along riparian margins where consistent soil moisture and fertile alluvial deposits create ideal growing conditions, forming an essential component of streamside vegetation communities that provide crucial habitat for native wildlife. These riverside environments offer the deep, well-drained soils and reliable water availability that support the tree's rapid growth and abundant flowering, while also providing the humid microclimates that enhance establishment success and long-term vigor. Forest edges represent another important natural habitat for this species, where the transition zone between open and closed canopy conditions creates optimal light levels for growth while providing partial protection from wind and extreme weather. River terraces throughout the South Island provide elevated, well-drained growing sites where Narrow-leaved Lacebark can establish extensive root systems in fertile, stone-free soils derived from centuries of flood-deposited sediments. The species demonstrates particular success on fertile, free-draining loam soils with good organic content, typically found in areas where natural forest succession has created deep, humus-rich growing media. Natural distribution extends from near sea level to elevations of approximately 900 meters, encompassing diverse topographical and climatic conditions that highlight the species' environmental adaptability and resilience.

Growing Requirements

Soil Requirements

Prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter.

  • Well-drained
  • Loamy

Light Requirements

Grows best in partial to full sun.

  • Full Sun
  • Partial Shade

Water Requirements

Requires regular watering during dry periods.

  • Regular
  • Drought tolerant once established

Planting and Establishing

Establishment Guidance

Plant Hoheria angustifoliain a hole twice the width of the root ball.

Proper establishment is key to long-term success. Ensure the planting hole is twice as wide as the root ball and backfill with a mix of native soil and organic compost. Initial watering should be thorough, followed by regular monitoring during the first two growing seasons to ensure the plant becomes well-anchored and resilient to local climate fluctuations.

Ecological Role

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Impact

Provides habitat and food for native fauna.

This species plays a vital role in its local ecosystem, providing essential habitat and food sources for native biodiversity. Its presence supports complex ecological interactions, contributing to the overall health and stability of the environment. By planting this native, you help maintain the intricate web of life that defines New Zealand's unique natural heritage.

Uses & Significance

Garden Uses

Ideal for rock gardens and native borders.

  • Rock gardens
  • Ground cover

Ecological Value

Supports local pollinators.

  • Birds
  • Insects

The versatility of this plant makes it a valuable addition to many New Zealand gardens. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it offers practical benefits such as soil stabilization and shelter for smaller plants. Its historical and modern uses highlight its enduring importance in both traditional practices and contemporary landscape design, making it a thoughtful choice for any restoration or gardening project.

Landscaping Uses

Adds texture and form to modern landscapes.

In a landscape setting, this plant provides excellent structure and year-round interest. Its unique form and foliage can be used to create focal points or as a cohesive element in a larger native planting scheme. It pairs well with other New Zealand natives, allowing for the creation of diverse and resilient garden environments that reflect the natural beauty of Aotearoa.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring

Mulch and apply balanced fertilizer.

  • Fertilize
  • Mulch

Summer

Water deeply during dry spells.

  • Water
  • Check for pests

Autumn

Tidy up any dead foliage.

  • Prune lightly
  • Plant new specimens

Winter

Protect from heavy frosts if necessary.

  • Frost protection

When to Prune and How Much

Minimal pruning required to maintain shape.

  • Remove dead branches

Always use clean, sharp tools.

Regular maintenance through careful pruning ensures the plant remains healthy and maintains its desired shape. Focus on removing dead or diseased wood to promote better air circulation and prevent the spread of pathogens. Proper pruning techniques help the plant direct its energy toward new growth, resulting in a more robust and aesthetically pleasing specimen in your garden.

How to Grow Narrow-Leaved Lacebark

Cultivating Hoheria angustifolia(Hoheria angustifolia) is a rewarding endeavor for any gardener interested in New Zealand's unique flora. This species can be propagated through several methods, each requiring specific conditions to ensure healthy growth and establishment. Successful propagation depends on mimicking the plant's natural environment and providing consistent care during the early stages of development.

From Seed

Propagation from seed is often the most effective way to produce a large number of Hoheria Angustifolia plants. Seeds should be collected when they are fully mature. Freshly collected seeds generally have higher germination rates than those that have been stored for long periods.

Sow fresh seeds in a seed-raising mix.

  1. Collect seeds
  2. Sow in trays

Keep moist until germination.

From Cuttings

For those wishing to replicate specific characteristics of a parent plant, vegetative propagation via cuttings is the preferred method. This technique ensures that the new plants are genetically identical to the source. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken during the appropriate season usually yield the best results for this species.

Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.

  1. Take cuttings
  2. Use rooting hormone

Additional Methods

Depending on the growth habit of Hoheria angustifolia, other methods such as division or layering might also be viable options. Division is particularly suitable for plants that form dense clumps or have spreading root systems, while layering can be used for species with trailing or flexible stems.

Division can be done in early spring.

  1. Divide clumps
  2. Replant immediately

Pests & Diseases

Generally resistant to major pests.

While generally resilient, maintaining optimal growing conditions is the best defense against pests and diseases. Regular monitoring allows for early detection of any issues, which can often be managed through cultural practices or organic interventions. Ensuring good air circulation and appropriate watering will significantly reduce the plant's susceptibility to common environmental stresses and pathogens.

Cultural Significance

Known to Māori as "houhi" or more specifically "houhi puruhi" (meaning narrow-leaved houhi), Narrow-leaved Lacebark holds important cultural significance as part of New Zealand's traditional plant knowledge. The species was valued by Māori communities for its strong, flexible inner bark, which was processed into rope, twine, and occasionally textiles for practical applications.The traditional preparation of houhi bark required specialized knowledge passed down through generations, with the fibrous inner layer carefully harvested and processed into durable cordage material. Unlike some other Hoheria species used for fine textiles, H. angustifolia was primarily valued for its strength in rope-making and utilitarian applications rather than decorative weaving.Today, Narrow-leaved Lacebark represents an important connection between traditional Māori plant use and contemporary conservation efforts. Its widespread cultivation in restoration projects and native gardens helps preserve both the species and knowledge of its cultural applications, ensuring this valuable taonga (treasure) remains part of New Zealand's living botanical heritage while supporting ecosystem restoration initiatives.

  • Traditional medicine
  • Crafts

Bonus Tip

Excellent for low-maintenance gardens.

For an extra boost, consider applying a thin layer of high-quality organic mulch around the base of the plant. This helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and gradually improves soil structure as it breaks down. This simple step can make a significant difference in the plant's overall vigor and resilience, especially during periods of extreme weather.

Plant Conservation

Conservation Status

Narrow-leaved Lacebark (Hoheria angustifolia) maintains a conservation status of "Not Threatened" under New Zealand's threat classification system. This stable status reflects the species' widespread natural distribution and healthy population numbers across its range in lowland forests throughout New Zealand.The species demonstrates remarkable ecological resilience and has the widest natural distribution of all lacebark species, occurring from sea level to 900 metres elevation in lowland eastern districts. This broad environmental tolerance contributes significantly to its secure conservation status, as the tree can thrive in diverse habitats from alluvial forests to drier eastern slopes.In cultivation, Narrow-leaved Lacebark has proven highly successful and contributes to conservation through widespread use in restoration projects and native plant gardens. Its rapid growth rate, adaptability to various soil conditions, and value for native wildlife make it an excellent choice for ecological restoration initiatives, helping to preserve both the species and its associated ecosystem functions.