Davidia involucrata - Dove Tree

Davidia involucrata, commonly known as the handkerchief tree, is a tree with a rounded habit that can live for a hundred years. After 15 to 20 years, it produces remarkable flowering. From May to June, pendulous inflorescences appear, composed of small flowers measuring 1-2cm (0.4 - 0.8in) in diameter, surrounded by a pair of large, unequal pure white bracts that are very decorative. The inflorescences measure 15cm (5.9in) in length. The globular flowers consist of red-purple anthers and numerous white stamens.

After flowering, pendant fruits measuring 2-4cm (0.8 - 1.6in) in diameter appear, forming brown balls that remain on the tree during winter. The leaves of Davidia are deciduous. The heart-shaped leaves measure 8 to 16cm (3.1 - 6.3in) in length. They are light green in colour, shiny on the upper surface, and have a greyish, felted and fluffy underside.

The young plant grows rapidly and can reach a height of 12m (39in 5ft) with age. It is a hardy tree native to central and southwest China. Place it as a solitary specimen in your garden or in groves or small groups with large white-flowered dogwoods such as Cornus controversa, which has a tiered horizontal habit.