Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree)

Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) white flower and green leaves on tree branch
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) with large white petals hanging down among dense green foliage

Botanical name: Davidia involucrata

Common names: Dove Tree, Ghost Tree, Handkerchief Tree

Family: Nyssaceae

Origin: China

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 6-8

Small tree 10-20 ftPlant form: Small tree
Plant mature sizeMature height: 10-20 ft
Full sunSemi-shadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade
Subtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeCold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.
Watering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyWatering: Regular
White, off-white flowersFlower color: White and off-white
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Deciduous plantFoliage: Deciduous

The Dove Tree, also known as Davidia involucrata, is a small tree that commands attention with its showy flowers. These flowers, which are held between two white bracts, appear in mid-spring and last for about a week or two. The leaves of the Dove Tree are heart-shaped and serrated around the edges, with a white felt-like appearance on the underside. In the late autumn, the tree produces a 3cm drupe fruit containing a nutlet with up to ten seeds.

Native to China, the Dove Tree can be grown in USDA zones 6 - 8 and prefers full sun to semi shade. It grows to a height of 10-20 ft and is self-fertile. While it is deciduous and enters dormancy in the winter months, mature plants are cold hardy down to the low thirties Fahrenheit, making them suitable for growing in pots or planters in cold regions. However, as a member of the Nyssa family, the Dove Tree is not frost or drought tolerant and will require extra watering in hot and dry conditions. It should be planted in moist, well-drained soil.


Image gallery: 16 images
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) with large white flower and green leaves close up
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) with its distinct white flower bracts hanging among lush green leaves.
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) white flower hanging on a branch in tree canopy.
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) with large white bracts surrounding center clusters on the limbs.
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) white flower close up on a green branch with leaves
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) white flower hanging from a green branch with multiple textured leaves
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) white flower and green leaves on the tall tree branch.
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) with many white bracts hanging among lush green heart shaped leaves.
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) white flower close up hanging under soft green serrated leaves
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) white bracts with round centers hanging under broad green serrated leaves.
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) white flower close up hanging from branch with green leaves
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) white flower hanging on branch surrounded by lush green foliage
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) white flower close up with tiny dark red pollen tips
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) white flower with a round center surrounded by dark red pollen tips.
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) white flower close up hanging on branch near green leaves
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) white flower hanging from a branch among many thick green leaves
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) tree with green leaves and white bracts standing tall.
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) showing white bracts among lush green foliage on branches.
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) green leaves on branch, capturing broad heart-shaped foliage in natural light.
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) with wide heart-shaped green leaves attached to sturdy woody brown branches.
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) white flower close up with green leaves on a branch.
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) white flower hanging among green leaves on a thin branch.
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) white flowers with dark brown fruit hanging from green tree branches
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) white hanging flower bracts and brown round fruit on leafy tree branches.
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) white flower close up held by fingers against green background.
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) flower with a large white bract held by human fingers.
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) with white flowers and green leaves on a large tree
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) laden with white flowers and green leaves against a blue sky.
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) white flower and green leaves on tree branches in spring.
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) with delicate white flower bracts nestled among lush green foliage.
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) white flower close up on green leaves branch
Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree) white flower petals surrounding a cluster of dark stamens.


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/davidia_involucrata.htm
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