Species Dove Tree
White flowers and green leaves on multiple brown branches and brown trunk.

Dove Tree

Davidia involucrata

Also Known As - Handkerchief Tree,Ghost Tree
The Dove Tree (Davidia involucrata) is a small deciduous tree that is truly one-of-a-kind. Rather than bearing traditional flowers, this tree offers fluffy, white blooms in the form of 'doves' that can appear twice each year. The dark, egg-shaped fruits enhance the tree's unique beauty, and its leathery, heart-shaped leaves turn a magnificent yellow in the fall. Besides being attractive, the Dove Tree requires little maintenance and grows best in moist, well-drained soil. Its ability to thrive in shade and tolerate full sun further makes it a great addition to any garden. What truly makes this tree special is its rarity. Enjoy this rare find in your yard today!

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Hardwood Cuttings,Greenwood Cuttings,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

6

Flowers:

Red (flowers) and white (bracts) Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Soil:

Acidic, Well-drained

Fruits:

red,brown Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

The Dove Tree requires deep watering and will perform best if watered 1 to 2 times per week. When watering, ensure that the soil is thoroughly soaked to a depth of 18 inches or more. Allow the soil to dry out slightly in between waterings and avoid over-watering. During the summer months, the Dove Tree may require more frequent watering to ensure the soil around it stays moist.

sunlight

Dove Tree (Davidia involucrata) prefers bright,but indirect sunlight so it should be kept away from direct sun rays.During Winter and Fall,it should receive 3 to 6 hours of sunlight per day and during Spring and Summer,it should receive 4 to 8 hours of sunlight per day.It is important to note that overexposure to sunlight can severely damage this plant species.

pruning

The Dove Tree should be pruned regularly to maintain its shape and vigor. It is best to prune after the leaves have fallen in Autumn or Winter, as this will avoid any unnecessary stress on the plant. Prune to remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches which are growing in an unruly or unattractive manner. When pruning, aim to keep the shape of the tree natural and symmetrical, removing branches in a balanced way. It is important not to prune the crown of the tree, as this may cause it to become unbalanced and unhealthy. Prune judiciously to maintain a healthy and aesthetically pleasing Dove Tree.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The Davidia involucrata, or Dove Tree, typically begins to bear fruit in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

The Dove Tree typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The Davidia involucrata, or Dove Tree, typically begins to bear fruit in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map