Coastal Kōwhai (Sophora chathamica), sometimes known as Chatham Island Kōwhai, is one of 8 species of native Sophora or kōwhai in New Zealand and grows naturally in the north-west of the North Island in New Zealand, as far south as the Tongaporutu River in north Taranaki, and as far north as Te Paki. It can also be found growing near Wellington and the Chatham Islands, although these later plantings are thought to be a result of Maori plantings in the late 18th century and early 19th century.
Prior to 2001, it was included as variant of Sophora microphylla, therefore references to either Sophora microphylla var. chathamica or Sophora microphylla subsp. microphylla var. chathamica are considered references to coastal kowhai.
This Kowhai can grow to around 6x4m after 10 years. Produces prolific golden blooms from August through to late November. Distinguished from other Kōwhai as it lacks the divaricating juvenille stage when grown from seed.