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    • Photo of Davidia involucrata form by Rasbak

    Photo by Rasbak

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    Davidia involucrata

    Also Known As

    • Davidia involucrata var. vilmoriniana
    • Dove Tree
    • Ghost Tree
    • Handkerchief Tree

    Plant type

    tree

    size

    • H: 20'-60'
    • W: 30'

    planting zones

    • 6a-9b

    More Options

    Davidia involucrata plant details

    Davidia involucrata is a slow-growing broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge followed by brown and purple fruit. Grows well with sun and even moisture water. Does well in rich and well-drained soil.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Davidia involucrata

    Plant type: tree
    Plant family: nyssaceae
    Foliage: deciduous green
    Mature size: 30 FT wide, 20 FT - 60 FT - tall
    Flowers: white blooms in spring
    Uses: fragrant

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Davidia involucrata

    USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
    Sun exposure: sun
    Watering frequency: even moisture
    Soil needs: rich and well-drained

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    An extraordinary tree from China, called the Dove tree or Handkerchief tree due to the spectacular, large, white bracts that flutter in the breeze in spring. E. H. Wilson likened these bracts to huge butterflies. Unusual purple pom-pom flowers show in the center of these bracts; dark-green cordate leaves turn to shades of russet in fall and winter shows the stunning flaking bark of this 20-40' specimen, a wonderful addition to any landscape. S/M

    By: Forestfarm

    One of the most unique flowering trees, Dove Tree is a very adaptable species which grows in a very wide range of conditions. It is also commonly known as the Handkerchief Tree as its petals (which are actually bracts, like with Dogwoods) look like hanging handkerchiefs. Especially because the flowers are a little bit on the larger side, the flowering is very prolific.
    Trees are moderately growing and grow fairly dense even without pruning, and little shaping is required. Trees will typically start out a little more upright and then with age develop longer side branches that make the tree's shape very round. Provide medium watering during the summer, about equivalent to how much you would water your lawn, for best results. Once established, trees are fairly drought tolerant and don't need a huge amount of water.

    By: Red Panda Nursery

    Discovered by the French missionary Armand David in 1869, this Chinese native, with its broad pyramidal habit, is perhaps the best known of all hardy exotic trees. The graceful white bracts have been likened to doves, handkerchiefs and huge butterflies hovering among the trees. Boosting the Dove Tree's prize reputation are the broad heart-shaped leaves, scaly bark, and ornamental green fruit, which turns rust, resembling giant gooseberries, and persists until winter. This spectacular specimen casts light shade, prefers loam, and needs protection from wind, drought and overly moist soil. Large Band. Grows slowly.

    By: Digging Dog Nursery

    In this variety with nominal botanical differences the intriguing flowers of this Chinese native tree invite closer inspection. Similar to Flowering Dogwood and Chinese Dogwood, the "petals" are actually white bracts that overshadow the inconspicuous actual flowers. Difficult to propagate and locate in the wholesale trade, Dove Tree is widely adapted and fast growing to 40 ft. tall. Once established, it makes an excellent specimen tree. Davidia involucrata var. vilmoriniana

    By: Heritage Seedlings

    Dove Tree - Creamy white flowers up to 7” long that give the appearance of white doves. Rich green leaves and orange/brown scaly bark. Fall color bronze. Slow growing

    By: Oregon Grown Tree Farm

    This rare tree is one of the most beautiful in bloom. With tiny red anthers and large white bracts (much like pendulous white Poinsettia bracts) it flutters in the lightest breeze like a butterfly. It's difficult to propagate, hard to find and when you do, they command a healthy price and have remained almost a collectors plant for years. Flowers are followed by 2-3" green golf ball like fruit. Good fall color. For more information on this treasure, visit this great website PlantExplorers.com

    By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

    We have a limited supply of the legendary Dove Tree for spring shipping. Although it is sometimes listed at 20-25', with age it can reach heights of 40', but do remember it is slow growing. The blossoms, or rather, showy white bracts, are likened to doves or handkerchiefs as they dangle below the branches in late spring. It has a pyramidal shape with broad green heart shaped foliage, and after flowering, showy green fruit persist into winter. Wait no more, plant a Davidia for your grandchildren. 2-3' plants for spring shipping.

    By: Avant Gardens

    This uncommon tree native to China, has the most unusual, showy blooms! The flowers suggest white doves nesting among the large green leaves. The foliage turns a beautiful yellow in the fall when the conditions are right. Protect newly planted trees in cold winter areas the first few years. The Dove Tree becomes hardier as it ages. A specimen with a grand structure providing lovely shade. We have a 30' specimen at the nursery which is the "talk of the town" when it flowers. Grows best in well-drained, moist soil and prefers light shade, especially where summers are warm.

    By: Greer Gardens Inc.

    Gardening facts about Davidia involucrata plant

    How to Grow Davidia involucrata

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun

    • Water Needs

      • even moisture

    • Soil Needs

      • well-drained
      • rich

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • green

    • Flower Color

      • white

    • Fruit

      • purple
      • brown

    • Flower Season

      • spring

    • Foliage Season

      • deciduous

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