New Zealand's diverse landscapes are a beautiful blend of mountains, valleys, and coastal areas. However, this varied terrain often presents unique challenges in terms of erosion management and slope stability. This is where the remarkable native flora of New Zealand comes to the fore. These plants and trees have evolved over millions of years to adapt to local conditions and are a crucial part of the solution to these environmental challenges.

In this article, we delve into a curated selection of native plants and trees that are integral not only to the natural ecosystem but also serve as effective tools in controlling erosion and stabilizing slopes. Each entry in our guide provides in-depth details about the characteristics and benefits of specific species. This information aims to help landscapers, gardeners, and environmental managers make informed decisions when choosing the right plant for their needs.

New Zealand Plants and Shrubs for Erosion Control and Slope Stability

Here's our selection of New Zealand's native flora that has proven effective in erosion control and slope stabilisation:

Plants and Shrubs

1. Coprosma robusta (Karamū)

• Variants: N/A
• Height Range: 3-6 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 5-10 years
• Flowering Status: Small, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers in spring; orange-red berries in autumn.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, robust glossy leaves.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Thrives in forest margins and stream banks across the North and South Islands.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Alpine areas due to cold sensitivity.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Its dense growth habit and strong root system make it excellent for stabilising banks and preventing soil erosion.

2. Hebe (Hebe spp.)

• Variants: Numerous species including Hebe stricta and Hebe salicifolia.
• Height Range: 0.5-1.5 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 3-5 years
• Flowering Status: Flowers vary by species, generally white, purple, or blue; bloom from early summer to autumn.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, varies from small to large lanceolate leaves.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Widespread across coastal and lowland areas.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Not suitable for very wet or swampy areas.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Effective at stabilising slopes and good for planting in exposed coastal conditions due to salt tolerance.

3. Corokia cotoneaster (Wire-netting Bush)

• Variants: N/A
• Height Range: 1-3 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 5-7 years
• Flowering Status: Small, yellow star-shaped flowers in spring, followed by red, yellow, or orange berries.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, small, dark leaves with silvery undersides.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Coastal to montane regions; particularly drought-resistant.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Not ideal for very wet conditions.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Dense and tangled growth habit helps to stabilise soil and protect against wind erosion.

4. Pimelea prostrata (New Zealand Daphne)

• Variants: N/A
• Height Range: Up to 0.3 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 2-4 years
• Flowering Status: Produces white or pink flowers from spring to early summer.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, small blue-green leaves.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Coastal areas across New Zealand.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Inland or alpine areas due to preference for milder coastal climates.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Its low-growing, spreading nature helps stabilise coastal sand dunes and other exposed soils.

5. Muehlenbeckia astonii (Shrubby Tororaro)

• Variants: N/A
• Height Range: 2-3 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 5-10 years
• Flowering Status: Insignificant flowers; notable for its interlaced, wiry branches.
• Leaf Status: Semi-deciduous, small heart-shaped leaves.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Coastal areas of the lower North Island and parts of the South Island.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Not suited to upper North Island tropical conditions.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Its tangled growth habit forms natural barriers against wind and stabilises slopes with its extensive root system.

6. Coprosma acerosa (Sand Coprosma)

• Variants: N/A
• Height Range: 0.1-0.5 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 2-5 years
• Flowering Status: Small, greenish-white flowers; non-showy.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, small, and leathery leaves.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Coastal areas, especially on sandy soils.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Inland and alpine areas due to its preference for coastal conditions.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Excellent for stabilising sand dunes and other loose substrates in coastal environments.

7. Olearia solandri (Coastal Tree Daisy)

• Variants: N/A
• Height Range: 1-3 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 3-6 years
• Flowering Status: Produces small white daisy-like flowers in summer.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, thin and leathery leaves.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Coastal cliffs and rocky soils throughout New Zealand.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Not suitable for swampy or highly fertile soils.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Thrives in harsh coastal conditions, helping to bind cliff faces and rocky slopes.

8. Brachyglottis greyi (Daisy Bush)

• Variants: N/A
• Height Range: 1-2 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 3-5 years
• Flowering Status: Yellow, daisy-like flowers in summer.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, silver-grey leaves.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Coastal to lowland areas, particularly in the South Island.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Less effective in very wet or heavily shaded areas.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Dense foliage and robust growth help stabilise soils on slopes and embankments.

9. Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo)

• Variants: N/A
• Height Range: 2-5 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 5-10 years
• Flowering Status: Small, dark red flowers with a honey scent in spring.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, crinkly leaves with a felt-like texture.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Coastal and lowland areas, drought and wind-tolerant.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Alpine regions due to cold sensitivity.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Fast-growing and robust, excellent for windbreaks and stabilising banks.

10. Myoporum laetum (Ngaio)

• Variants: N/A
• Height Range: 3-10 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 5-15 years
• Flowering Status: White flowers with purple spots, blooming in summer.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, bright green leaves.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Coastal regions across New Zealand.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Not suited to frost-prone inland areas.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Particularly good for coastal erosion control due to its salt and wind tolerance, and fast growth rate.

Grasses and Flaxes

1. Phormium tenax (Harakeke, New Zealand Flax)

• Variants: Includes varieties with different colored leaves such as 'Purpureum' (purple flax).
• Height Range: 1-3 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 5-8 years
• Flowering Status: Tall flower spikes with red or yellow flowers, appearing from late spring to summer.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, long and sword-shaped leaves.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Throughout New Zealand, from coastal to alpine regions.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Very dry or infertile soils.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Strong root system makes it excellent for stabilising riverbanks and slopes, and for wetland restoration.

2. Carex secta (Māku, Purei)

• Variants: N/A
• Height Range: Up to 1 meter
• Growth to Maximum Height: 3-5 years
• Flowering Status: Inconspicuous flowers, primarily valued for its dense tussocky growth.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, dense clumping sedge.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Wetlands and swampy areas throughout New Zealand.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Dry conditions and areas without periodic saturation.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Excellent for waterway margins, helping to filter pollutants and stabilise soil.

3. Anemanthele lessoniana (Gossamer Grass, Wind Grass)

• Variants: N/A
• Height Range: 0.8-1.2 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 2-4 years
• Flowering Status: Feathery flower heads that add visual interest in summer and autumn.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, fine foliage that moves beautifully in the wind.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Well-drained open areas across New Zealand, including coastal regions.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Wet, poorly drained soils.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Its fibrous root system helps bind the soil, particularly effective on dry slopes and in coastal areas.

4. Chionochloa flavicans (Miniature Toe Toe)

• Variants: N/A
• Height Range: 0.5-1.5 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 3-5 years
• Flowering Status: Creamy plume-like flowers in summer.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, tufted grass.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Subalpine to lowland areas across the South Island and southern North Island.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Northern regions of the North Island, requires cooler climates.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Helps stabilise soils on slopes and is effective in rocky, alpine environments.

5. Cortaderia richardii (Toetoe)

• Variants: Often confused with Cortaderia selloana, a non-native species.
• Height Range: 1-2 meters (flower stalks can reach up to 3 meters)
• Growth to Maximum Height: 4-6 years
• Flowering Status: Large, prominent creamy-white flower heads in spring.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, tussock-forming.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Widespread across New Zealand in coastal and lowland areas.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Not suitable for dense shade.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Excellent for large-scale slope stabilisation and as a windbreak, especially in coastal locations.

6. Festuca novae-zelandiae (Hard Tussock)

• Variants: N/A
• Height Range: Up to 0.6 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 3-5 years
• Flowering Status: Subtle flowering spikes.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, forms dense tussocks.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Alpine and subalpine zones across the South Island.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Lower North Island and northern regions, prefers cooler climates.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Its dense growth habit and deep root system make it ideal for stabilising mountainous and rocky terrains.

7. Poa cita (Silver Tussock)

• Variants: N/A
• Height Range: Up to 0.5 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 3-6 years
• Flowering Status: Inconspicuous, more valued for its foliage.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, silvery-green foliage.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Common in dry, exposed sites throughout both the North and South Islands.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Does not thrive in wet, highly fertile soils.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Effective in rocky and sandy soils, often used in ecological restoration projects.

8. Uncinia rubra (Red Hook Sedge)

• Variants: N/A
• Height Range: 0.3-0.5 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 2-4 years
• Flowering Status: Inconspicuous; valued for its reddish-brown foliage.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, distinctively colored leaves.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Forest margins and subalpine zones throughout New Zealand.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Coastal fronts due to salt exposure.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Its ability to form dense clumps makes it useful for stabilising soil in forested and upper montane areas.

9. Juncus edgariae (Wiwi)

• Variants: N/A
• Height Range: Up to 1 meter
• Growth to Maximum Height: 2-3 years
• Flowering Status: Brown inflorescences, though primarily used for structural purposes.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, rigid stems.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Common in wetlands and along stream margins across New Zealand.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Arid or dry regions.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Excellent for wetland margins and waterway stabilisation due to its tolerance for flooding and moist conditions.

10. Carex virgata (Swamp Sedge)

• Variants: N/A
• Height Range: 0.5-1 meter
• Growth to Maximum Height: 2-4 years
• Flowering Status: Inconspicuous; primarily functional.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, robust and upright.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Swamps, wetlands, and moist areas across New Zealand.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Dry, drought-prone areas.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Ideal for stabilising soil in wet conditions and excellent for riparian planting.

Trees

1. Dodonaea viscosa (Akeake)

• Variants: Includes the common green Akeake and a purplish form known as 'Purpurea'.
• Height Range: 4-6 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 5-10 years
• Flowering Status: Small, inconspicuous greenish flowers, followed by winged seed capsules.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, shiny green leaves that turn purplish in the 'Purpurea' variant.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Throughout New Zealand, especially coastal and lowland areas.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Alpine regions due to cold temperatures.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Hardy and wind-resistant, excellent for stabilising coastal and windy sites.

2. Pittosporum tenuifolium (Kohuhu)

• Variants: Various cultivars available with different leaf sizes and colors, including variegated forms.
• Height Range: 5-10 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 5-7 years
• Flowering Status: Small, dark purple flowers in spring, not very conspicuous but fragrant.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, glossy green leaves.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Widespread throughout New Zealand.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Extreme alpine conditions.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Fast-growing and dense, suitable for windbreaks and privacy screens, excellent root systems for slope stabilisation.

3. Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree)

• Variants: N/A
• Height Range: Up to 20 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 10-20 years
• Flowering Status: White, highly fragrant flowers in late spring to early summer.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, long and sword-shaped leaves.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: All areas, highly adaptable from coastal to inland.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Very wet, swampy soils.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Deep root system excellent for stabilising banks and slopes.

4. Olearia traversii (Chatham Island Akeake)

• Variants: N/A
• Height Range: 4-6 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 5-10 years
• Flowering Status: White, daisy-like flowers in spring and summer.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, leathery leaves with a silvery underside.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Coastal regions and offshore islands.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Inland and alpine areas due to frost susceptibility.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Excellent for coastal protection with strong winds and salt spray.

5. Griselinia littoralis (Broadleaf or Kapuka)

• Variants: N/A
• Height Range: Up to 6 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 5-10 years
• Flowering Status: Inconspicuous green flowers.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, broad, glossy green leaves.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Coastal to lowland forests across New Zealand.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Alpine zones.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Good for hedges and screening; its dense growth helps stabilise slopes and banks.

6. Myrsine australis (Māpou or Red Matipo)

• Variants: N/A
• Height Range: 2-5 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 5-7 years
• Flowering Status: Very small, inconspicuous flowers followed by red or purple berries.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, small and leathery leaves.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Throughout New Zealand in coastal and forest settings.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Not suited for very dry or exposed sites.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Suitable for underplanting in reforestation projects, helps stabilise the understorey.

7. Melicytus ramiflorus (Whiteywood)

• Variants: N/A
• Height Range: Up to 8 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 7-10 years
• Flowering Status: Small, yellowish flowers; more noticeable are the purple berries.
• Leaf Status: Semi-evergreen, dropping some leaves in colder climates.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Forest margins and secondary growth areas throughout New Zealand.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Exposed alpine conditions.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Its ability to grow in partial shade makes it ideal for mixed planting schemes for slope stability.

8. Pseudopanax arboreus (Five Finger)

• Variants: N/A
• Height Range: 8-10 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 10-15 years
• Flowering Status: Small, greenish flowers followed by black berries.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, large palmate leaves.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Throughout New Zealand, especially in forest and shrubland.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Very dry or barren sites.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Very adaptable and can be used in forest restoration projects for slope stabilisation.

9. Sophora microphylla (Small-leaved Kowhai)

• Variants: Includes several forms varying slightly in leaf and flower size.
• Height Range: Up to 10 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 10-20 years
• Flowering Status: Vivid yellow, bell-shaped flowers in spring, highly attractive to birds.
• Leaf Status: Semi-evergreen, smaller leaves than other Kowhai species.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Dry, open areas and along forest edges across New Zealand.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Wet, swampy areas.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Root systems help stabilise slopes, and it's particularly valuable in dry regions.

10. Hebe speciosa (New Zealand Hebe)

• Variants: Numerous cultivars with various flower and foliage forms.
• Height Range: 1.5-2 meters
• Growth to Maximum Height: 3-5 years
• Flowering Status: Bright pink to purple flowers in summer.
• Leaf Status: Evergreen, thick, glossy leaves.
• Areas of NZ Thriving: Coastal to alpine regions; very versatile.
• Areas of NZ Struggling: Excessively wet or poorly drained soils.
• Key Reasons for Erosion Control: Ideal for planting in exposed and rocky areas, effective in stabilising banks and slopes with its dense growth.

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