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Davidia spp.
Overview
Davidia spp. is a genus in the dogwood family (Cornaceae) containing a single species, D. involucrata, native to the mountain forests of central and south-western China. It is a deciduous tree reaching 40-65 feet (12-20 m) tall with a broadly conical to rounded crown and heart-shaped leaves 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long that have toothed margins and felted undersides. The plant is grown chiefly for its spring flowering display: each dense, rounded head of tiny dark flowers is flanked by two unequal white bracts, the larger 4-7 inches (10-18 cm) long and the smaller about half that, which hang in pairs and flutter in wind, giving rise to the names dove tree and handkerchief tree. The green, ridged, plum-sized fruits ripen in autumn and hang on slender stalks. Trees are slow to establish and commonly take 10-20 years from seed to first flowering, which limits their use in short-term plantings. Two forms are recognised, the typical one with hairy leaf undersides and D. involucrata var. vilmoriniana spp. with smooth undersides, the latter hardier and more widely grown in temperate gardens. Autumn foliage turns yellow before falling.
Native Range
Native to montane mixed forests of central and south-western China, including Sichuan, Hubei, Guizhou, and Yunnan, at elevations of 3,500-7,500 feet (1,100-2,300 m).Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen or lawn tree in large gardens, parks, and botanical collections. The broad crown and slow growth suit open settings rather than confined urban spaces.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height40' - 65'
Width/Spread25' - 50'
Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in mid to late spring, usually May, once trees reach maturity. The paired white bracts last one to two weeks and whiten fully only as they expand. Flowering can be sparse or skipped in cool or shaded seasons.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white bracts with dark red-purple flower headsFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in full sun to light afternoon shade in deep, fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-7.0. Steady moisture during the growing season supports establishment, while waterlogged ground is not tolerated. Shelter from strong wind and late frost reduces damage to the soft early foliage and the bracts. Trees grow slowly at first and benefit from a mulched, weed-free root zone. They are hardy in USDA zones 6-8 and need a position with room for a broad mature crown. Flowering may not begin for a decade or more after planting.Pruning
Little pruning is needed beyond removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches in winter while dormant. The natural shape needs little correction, and hard cutting of established trees produces poor regrowth. Any formative shaping is done on young trees to establish a single clear leader.Pruning Schedule
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winter