Skip to content
Log inStart trial

Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree

Davidia Involucrata

Design with this plant

Overview

Davidia involucrata, commonly known as Dove or Handkerchief Tree, is a deciduous ornamental tree, renowned for its unique white bracts resembling handkerchiefs or fluttering doves. It typically reaches heights of 20-40 feet with a similar spread. Ideal in USDA zones 6-8, it thrives in moist, well-drained soil, preferring partial to full sun. Its spring bloom offers a spectacular display. It is slow-growing, adding an exotic touch to temperate landscapes.

Sun Full, HalfWater Extra in Summer, HighZones 6–8Type TreeClimate Temperate
Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata) — white bracts that dangle from the branches in late spring

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Extra in Summer, High
USDA zones
6–8

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Tree
Family
Nyssaceae
Climate
Temperate

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (103)

Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata) — tree for full or half; but its exceptional beauty is well worth the wait
Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata) — resembling handkerchiefs or fluttering doves
Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata) — It thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires regular watering, particularly in dry conditions; it
Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata) — but its exceptional beauty is well worth the wait
Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata) — the Dove Tree is an investment in the landscape
Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata) — It thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires regular watering, particularly in dry conditions
Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata) — white flowers in the garden; resembling handkerchiefs or fluttering doves
Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata) — Ideal in USDA zones 6-8, it thrives in moist, well-drained soil, preferring partial to full, image 63
Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata) — which can be up to 6 to 8 inches long; commonly known as Dove or Handkerchief Tree, image 71
Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata) — loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH; tree for full or half, image 75
Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata) — commonly known as the Dove Tree or Handkerchief Tree
Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata) — which can be up to 6 to 8 inches long
Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata) — white bracts that dangle from the branches in late spring; the Dove Tree prefers well-drained
Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata) — as large as 4 to 6 inches; turn to a pale yellow or brownish color in fall, image 78
Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata) — It typically reaches heights of 20-40 feet with a similar spread; often taking several years to bloom
Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata) — It is slow-growing, adding an exotic touch to temperate landscapes
Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata) — Being relatively slow-growing; which can be up to 6 to 8 inches long, image 81
Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata) — inconspicuous purple to reddish clusters of flowers; commonly known as the Dove Tree or, image 72
Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata) — the Dove Tree is an investment in the landscape; as large as 4 to 6 inches, image 82
Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata) — tree with white blooms; it is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 8.<br><br>The tree's ovate to
Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata) — It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 8.<br><br>The tree's ovate to heart-shaped leaves
Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata) — Ideal in USDA zones 6-8, it thrives in moist, well-drained soil, preferring partial to full sun
Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata) — is a deciduous ornamental tree
Dove Tree, Hankerchief Tree (Davidia Involucrata) — turn to a pale yellow or brownish color in fall
Photographs by 16 contributors

Related plants

Water Tupelo (Nyssa Aquatica) — preferring full sun to partial shade and is often found on the edges of ponds; when integrating into garden designs, image 56

Tree

Water Tupelo

Nyssa Aquatica

FullUSDA 7–9
20Th Century Pear (Pyrus Pyrifolia 'Nijisseiki') — Revered for its prolific white blooms in spring and lustrous green foliage

Tree

20Th Century Pear

Pyrus Pyrifolia 'Nijisseiki'

FullUSDA 4–8
Accolade Elm (Ulmus 'Morton' Accolade&trade;) — It thrives in USDA Zones 5-8, in full sun to partial shade, and is adaptable to varied soil types

Tree

Accolade Elm

Ulmus 'Morton' Accolade&trade;

FullUSDA 4–9
Acoma Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia Indica 'Acoma') — Drought and mildew resistant, it's an ideal choice for accent planting in USDA zones 6-9

Tree

Acoma Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia Indica 'Acoma'

FullUSDA 6–9
Acrocona Dwarf Spruce (Picea Abies 'Acrocona') — this slow-growing tree thrives in full sun to partial shade

Conifer

Acrocona Dwarf Spruce

Picea Abies 'Acrocona'

FullUSDA 4–7
Afghan Pine (Pinus Eldarica) — is a versatile and robust conifer well-suited to arid and semi-arid climates

Conifer

Afghan Pine

Pinus Eldarica

FullUSDA 7–10