Download Dove Tree aka Handkerchief Tree

TEL: (406) 826-3881
FAX: (406) 826-5700
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6625 MT Highway 200
Plains, Montana
59859-9216 USA
Newspaper Article Archive - February 2015 issue
Dove Tree aka Handkerchief Tree
(Davidia involucrata) ... will blow you away
by John N. Lawyer
“The most interesting and beautiful of all trees of the
north temperate flora” E.H. Wilson (1876 -1930).
World acclaimed botanist, plant hunter, naturalist.
Dove tree is a moderately fast growing highly ornamental
tree best known for its flowers and bracts, which resemble a flock of white doves or handkerchiefs blowing in the
wind when viewed from a distance. Very excellent choice
for an ornamental tree, especially as a specimen or focal
point in the landscape. Typically a multi-stem clump if left
untended, although with age it doesn’t like too much pruning so it is important that the tree is shaped when young.
At maturity the Dove Tree is typically 40 feet high, sometimes 60 to 80 feet, with broadly pyramidal habit when
young, rounded with age. It’s spread can be 15- 30 feet,
so it does need some room in the landscape. It is not particular with respect to soil and is normally free of pests
and diseases.
Snow white bracts, like the wings of a dove, on Davidia involucrata.
Hardiness of the tree is a little unsettled. From a review
of the literature, most references say it is hardy in USDA
zones six to eight with young trees liking some winter
protection. But once established it may survive zone
five locations, and is reported hardy even in upstate New
York.
The flowers of Dove Tree are its most important ornamental characteristic. Red anthers appear in rounded
clusters in April and May, with two large snow white oval
bracts which surround the flower. One is typically three
to four inches long, the other six to seven inches. The
bracts flutter in the slightest breeze. It’s leaves are bright
green, two to six inches long, and it resembles a linden
when not in bloom. Fall color is variable from subdued
pastels to bright oranges and reds.
Davidia involucrata is the only member of its genus, although some botanists treat the two varieties, which difDavidia involucrata specimen tree.
Copyright ©February 2015 by Lawyer Nursery, Inc. 6625 Montana
Highway 200, Plains, Montana, 59859, USA. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, nor may it stored in a
retreival system, transmitted or otherwise copied for public or private use without written permission from the copyright holder.
fer slightly in their leaves, as distinct species. Rare in its
native habitat, where it is occasionally found in woodlands, in central and southwest China. Named for Father
Armand David, a French missionary from 1862 to 1873
who first described the tree. He was one of the most prolific plant explorers of that era and also the first westerner
to describe the Giant Panda.
The tree can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Lawyer Nursery offers seed propagated stock, and we obtain
the seed in China. Rare in the wild, rare in the nursery
trade and rare in the landscape. Highly recommended.
Sample of our liners of Davidia involucrata.
Newspaper Article Archive - February 2015 edition
Copyright ©February 2015 by Lawyer Nursery, Inc. 6625 Montana Highway 200, Plains, Montana, 59859, USA. All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced by any means, nor may it stored in a retreival system, transmitted or otherwise copied for public or private use without
written permission from the copyright holder.