Pseudopanax lessonii (Five Finger) is a distinctive New Zealand native tree, valued for its architectural form, glossy foliage, and layered canopy. It’s ideal for feature planting, native gardens, and ecological landscapes.
 
Description
Evergreen small to medium tree with a layered, spreading canopy
Glossy, deeply lobed leaves with 3–7 leaflets, giving a “five-finger” appearance
Juvenile leaves are larger and more dramatic, becoming smaller and simpler with age
Produces small, inconspicuous flowers followed by fruit
Can grow 6–12 metres high, occasionally taller
Long-lived and visually striking in both juvenile and mature forms
 
Growing Conditions
Thrives in full sun to partial shade
Prefers well-drained, fertile soil
Moderate watering; drought-tolerant once established
Hardy to frost, wind, and coastal exposure
Low maintenance; minimal pruning needed
 
Uses in Landscaping
Ideal as a feature or specimen tree in gardens and parks
Excellent for native, naturalistic, and contemporary landscapes
Adds architectural form and texture with its layered foliage
Suitable for residential gardens, public parks, and ecological plantings
Works well in mixed plantings with other native trees and understory shrubs