holds the subalpine winds at bay

Size
Height: 1–2 m, Spread: 1–1.5 m
Lifespan
10–20 years
Diet
Photosynthetic. Draws energy from sunlight. Obtains nutrients from well-drained soils in montane environments.
Habitat
Montane and subalpine forests scrub rocky slopes and open areas. Prefers well-drained soils with full sun. Tolerates cold wind frost and snow.
Range
Throughout New Zealand from Northland to Stewart Island. Most common in montane and subalpine areas. Widespread in upland forests and scrub.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
Habitat loss from land clearance is primary threat. Climate change affecting subalpine habitats. Browsing by introduced mammals.
Population
Populations considered stable but localised. Species common in montane areas throughout New Zealand. Threatened by climate change and browsing.
Conservation Status
Not Threatened
Human Risk
harmless
Handling Note
native shrub, safe to handle
Conservation Note
Endemic shrub; restricted to coastal habitats in northern North Island.
Assessment
NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
Te Ao Māori
In Māori tradition this Coprosma used for berries eaten by birds and sometimes people. Dense growth provided shelter for small birds and lizards. Wood used for small tools. Plant of mountains. Gathered by those who knew high places. Berry for birds. Shelter for lizards. Small tool from wood.
It does not inhabit the lowlands exclusively. Coprosma acerosa is hardy montane shrub. Small glossy dark green leaves. Dense twiggy growth. Leaves oval-shaped up to 2 centimetres long. Smooth shiny surface. Stems slender and branching. Forming compact rounded shrub. Plant hugs ground and holds shape. Plant produces masses of small white flowers in spring. Followed by bright red or orange berries attracting native birds. Berries valuable food source for birds in mountains. Dense growth provides shelter for small birds and lizards. Plant gives back to mountain. Leafy Coprosma extremely cold-hardy. Tolerating heavy frost and snow. Grows in montane and subalpine forests scrub and rocky slopes. Excellent plant for alpine gardens and exposed sites. Plant for places where other plants fail. Wood used by Māori for small tools. Berries eaten by birds and sometimes people. Dense growth noted as good shelter for birds. Practical plant not just pretty one. To find leafy Coprosma is to climb mountains. Look for small glossy leaves bright red or orange berries. Shrub of high places. Plant of subalpine zone. Berries flash of colour in green. Food for birds of mountains. Māori name recorded in some regions. Plant known used and valued. Shrub of high country. Survives where others cannot. That is leafy Coprosma. Hardy glossy and berry-bearing. Shrub of mountains. Shelter for birds. Flash of colour in subalpine zone. It carries on.