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Overview
Davidia involucrata is dove tree (handkerchief tree), a deciduous tree growing 40-60 feet (12-18 m) tall and 25-40 feet (7.5-12 m) wide. Two asymmetric white papery bracts — one 3 inches (7 cm), one 7 inches (18 cm) — hang below a central ball of red-purple true flowers 0.75 inch (2 cm) in May. The bracts flutter in the wind. Dark green heart-shaped coarsely serrated leaves 3-6 inches (7-15 cm) with downy white underside. Round green-brown drupes 1.5 inches (4 cm) on long stalks in fall. In Cornaceae. Native to central and western China — mountain forests. A monotypic genus. First described to Western science by Père Armand David in 1869. The tree takes 10-20 years from seed to first bloom — this long juvenile period is the primary limitation. Grafted trees bloom sooner (5-7 years). Var. vilmoriniana (smoother leaf undersides) is the most commonly cultivated form. Not drought-tolerant. No significant disease or pest problems. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 6-9. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to central and western China — Sichuan, Hubei, and Yunnan provinces. Found in mountain forests at 3,000-7,500 feet (900-2,300 m) elevation.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen tree in large residential gardens and parks spaced 25-40 feet (7.5-12 m). Paired white bracts in May. Requires patience (10-20 years to bloom from seed). No significant pests. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 6-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height40' - 60'
Width/Spread25' - 40'
Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years
Bloom Information
Mid spring (May). Two asymmetric white papery bracts (one 3 inches / 7 cm, one 7 inches / 18 cm) hanging below a central ball of red-purple true flowers 0.75 inch (2 cm). 2 weeks of bloom. Bee-pollinated. Round green-brown drupes 1.5 inches (4 cm) follow.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Two asymmetric white papery bracts — one 3 inches (7 cm) long, one 7 inches (18 cm) long — hanging below a central ball of red-purple true flowers 0.75 inch (2 cm) diameterFoliage Description
Dark green, heart-shaped, coarsely serrated, 3-6 inches (7-15 cm) long with a downy white underside; turns yellow in fall — fall color is unremarkableGrowing 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
Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours). Well-drained acidic to neutral soil pH 5.5-7.0. Not drought-tolerant — supplemental water during dry periods. No significant diseases or pests. 10-20 years to first bloom from seed (grafted trees: 5-7 years). Prune in late winter (February-March). Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 6-9.Pruning
Prune in late winter (February-March). Develop a strong central leader when young. Remove dead, crossing, or damaged branches. Minimal pruning needed on mature trees. The upright pyramidal form is natural.Pruning Schedule
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early spring