[2] Cook Strait kōwhai forms a small compact bush and can become quite wide but only grows to about head height.

[4] Unlike other kōwhai, S. molloyi retains its leaves all year round,[5] and does not have a divaricating juvenile stage when grown from seed.

[2] Using the New Zealand Threat Classification System, S. molloyi was rated in 2012 as being "at risk – naturally uncommon".

Cook Strait kōwhai was previously rated in 2004 as being at risk due to its restricted range.

Sophora molloyi makes a good container plant due to its smaller size, because it retains its leaves year-round and flowers over winter when few other plants are flowering.