A fast-growing, upright shrub or small tree with narrow, pointed leaves and masses of small white flowers in summer. A plant that does not wait. The leaves are lance-shaped, up to 8 centimetres long, with a smooth, green surface. They are arranged in opposite pairs along the stems. The stems are slender and upright, branching to form an open, airy canopy. A plant that reaches for the light. The flowers are the plant's most distinctive feature. They are small and white, arranged in dense, branching clusters at the tips of the branches. The clusters can be up to 15 centimetres long, covered in dozens of tiny flowers. The flowers are attractive to native bees and butterflies, which feed on the nectar. A plant that feeds the pollinators. The flowers are followed by small capsules containing the seeds. The capsules are dry and brown, splitting open when ripe to release the seeds. The plant is fast-growing and adaptable, often appearing in regenerating forest and on forest margins. A plant that takes advantage of disturbance. Hebe parviflora is an important pioneer species, one of the first woody plants to appear in regenerating forest. It grows quickly, providing shelter for slower-growing trees. The dense foliage provides habitat for birds and insects. A plant that makes way for the forest. To find Hebe parviflora is to walk the lowland forests and forest margins of New Zealand. Look for the upright shrub or small tree with narrow, pointed leaves, the masses of small white flowers in summer. The forest margin is open. The hebe grows tall, white flowers clustered at the tips, bees buzzing. The slower trees grow in its shade. The hebe does not mind. It will be gone in a few decades. The forest will remain. That is the deal.