Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree)

Dove Tree – Davidia involucrata: An In-depth Look

Davidia involucrata, commonly known as the Dove Tree, Handkerchief Tree, Pocket Handkerchief Tree, or Ghost Tree, is a medium-sized deciduous tree celebrated for its distinctive floral display. Native to south-central and southwest China, this ornamental tree has captivated gardeners worldwide with its elegant beauty and historical significance. Enchanting in full bloom, the Dove Tree serves as both a striking specimen tree and a graceful shade provider.

Davidia was previously included in the dogwood family, Cornaceae, but is now part of the Nyssaceae family, which includes Water Tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) and Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica).

Native Range

Davidia involucrata is native to montane mixed forests in central and southwestern China. It naturally occurs at elevations between 1,000 and 2,000 meters, typically growing in small, scattered stands within broadleaved forests.

Plant Type and Habit

The Dove Tree is a medium-sized deciduous tree characterized by a broad conical crown that becomes rounded with age. Its overall form is wide pyramidal in youth, becoming rounded or wide egg-shaped as it matures.

Size

In cultivation, the Dove Tree usually reaches heights between 20 and 40 feet (6-12 m) with an equal spread. In its natural habitat, however, it can grow up to 60 feet (18 m).

The Dove Tree has an average to moderately rapid growth rate, depending significantly on environmental conditions. Under favorable circumstances—such as moist, well-drained, acidic soils, adequate sunlight, and protection from harsh winds—this tree can grow relatively quickly.

However, even under optimal conditions, the Dove Tree typically requires patience. It generally takes about 10 to 15 years before it begins flowering abundantly.

Lifespan

The Dove Tree typically has a lifespan ranging from 25 to 50 years.

Flowers

The Dove Tree is famous for its unique and eye-catching flowers. The actual flowers are small, purplish-red, and clustered in tight, round groups no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) across.

Each cluster is surrounded by two large, white bracts—leaf-like structures that act like petals—measuring 5-10 inches (12-25 cm) long. These delicate bracts sway gracefully in the wind, creating the illusion of white doves or handkerchiefs draped over the branches.

The tree blooms abundantly in late spring to early summer, adding a spectacular display to the landscape.

Fruits

After flowering, the Dove Tree produces round, russet-colored, golf ball-sized fruits that hang on stalks around 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) long. They contain between three to six seeds each.

Foliage

The leaves are deciduous, heart-shaped, and finely toothed along the edges. They are symmetrical in shape and measure about 3-6 inches (7-15 cm) in length. Emerging bronze-colored in spring, they mature to bright green in summer and may turn vibrant shades of orange and red in the fall.

Bark and Branches

The bark of the Dove Tree is an attractive reddish-gray color with a mottled appearance. Its twigs are red-brown, adding further ornamental interest during winter months.

Hardiness and Climate Requirements

Davidia involucrata thrives best within USDA hardiness zones 6 through 8. It prefers sheltered locations due to sensitivity to late frosts.

Award

Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society

Uses and Landscaping Applications

• Ornamental: Highly valued for its unique floral display; widely planted in parks, gardens, and arboreta.
• Specimen Tree: Ideal as a focal point due to its striking appearance during bloom season.
• Shade Tree: Provides ample shade with its broad canopy, making it a great addition to gardens and open landscapes.
• Biodiversity Support: Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
• Parks & Cemeteries: Frequently used for aesthetic enhancement due to its graceful form and seasonal interest.
• Discover 32 Fast-Growing Shade Trees to Boost Your Garden’s Appeal

Wildlife

The Dove Tree is primarily pollinated by insects, especially bees and beetles. Its white bracts, which are UV-light-absorbing, serve as visual cues to attract pollinators. The tree also provides shelter for various small animals and birds due to its broad canopy and dense foliage.

Unlike many flowering trees, the Dove Tree does not produce nectar; its flowers rely solely on pollen as a reward for visiting insects

Toxicity

The Dove Tree is generally considered non-toxic to humans and animals.

Deer and Rabbits

The Dove Tree is considered resistant to both deer and rabbits. While no plant is entirely “deer-proof” or “rabbit-proof,” the Dove Tree is not typically a preferred food source for these animals. However, young trees may still be vulnerable to damage, especially during periods of food scarcity.

Invasiveness

The Dove Tree is not considered invasive. It is a rare and endangered species native to China, where its populations have been declining due to habitat loss and human activity.

Benefits and Drawbacks of the Dove Tree

Benefits

• Aesthetic Appeal: The Dove Tree is celebrated for its striking floral display, with large white bracts resembling handkerchiefs or doves fluttering in the breeze. This makes it a standout ornamental tree in gardens and landscapes.
• Shade and Structure: Its broad, pyramidal crown provides shade and architectural interest, making it suitable for parks, cemeteries, and large gardens.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, the Dove Tree requires minimal care, with moderate watering needs and good resistance to pests and diseases.
• Adaptability: The tree can thrive in a variety of soil types, provided they are nutrient-rich and moisture-retentive. It tolerates partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 6-8.

Drawbacks

• Delayed Flowering: The Dove Tree takes considerable time (10-20 years) to mature and begin flowering, requiring patience from gardeners.
• Sensitivity to Frost: Late frosts can damage its flower bracts, particularly in mountainous regions, limiting its reliability in colder climates.
• Limited Fall Color: Unlike other ornamental trees, the Dove Tree’s fall foliage is often dull or undistinguished, ranging from greenish-brown to reddish-purple.
• Water Dependence: While moderately drought-tolerant once established, young trees require consistent moisture for optimal growth, which may be challenging in arid regions.
• Space Requirements: With a mature height and spread of 20-40 feet (6-12 m), it needs ample space, making it unsuitable for small gardens.
• Alternate-Year Blooming: Some trees may develop an alternate-year blooming pattern, reducing their visual impact during off years.

How to Grow and Care for a Dove Tree

Where to Plant a Dove Tree

• Location: Choose a sheltered spot with full sun to partial shade. In hot summer regions, protect it from intense afternoon sun. Protect the tree from strong winds, which can damage its delicate bracts.
• Soil: Plant in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. The tree prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.
• Space Requirements: Allow at least 20 feet (6 meters) between trees to accommodate their mature spread of 30-40 feet.

When to Plant

• Plant container-grown trees in late spring or autumn when the soil is warm and workable.
• Spring planting ensures the tree has time to establish before winter.

How to Plant

• Stand the tree in water briefly to moisten its roots.
• Dig a square hole slightly wider than the tree’s rootball but no deeper.
• Loosen the soil at the base and sides of the hole with a fork.
• Remove the tree from its pot, tease out circling roots, and place it in the hole.
• Ensure the top of the rootball is level with the soil surface by using a cane across the hole.
• Backfill with soil and firm gently around the rootball using your heel.
• Stake young trees at a 45° angle to prevent wind damage, attaching them securely with tree ties.
• Water thoroughly after planting.

Watering

Keep the soil evenly moist during establishment (typically for the first year). Mature trees require deep watering once or twice per week during dry periods, ensuring moisture penetrates 18 inches (45 cm) into the soil. Avoid overwatering, as waterlogged conditions can lead to root rot.

Fertilization

Fertilize annually in early spring using a balanced granular fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10). Avoid fertilizing during planting or the first growing season to allow the tree to settle.

Pruning

Prune young trees to develop a strong central leader and balanced branching structure. Established trees require minimal pruning; remove dead, diseased, or unruly branches after leaves have fallen in autumn or winter. Avoid heavy pruning of the crown, as this can disrupt its natural shape.

How to Propagate a Dove Tree

Seed Propagation

The Dove Tree can be grown from seeds, but it requires patience, as germination can take up to two years. The seeds need stratification—exposure to cold temperatures for 18-24 months—to break dormancy. They should be sown in moist, well-draining soil in autumn. Germination rates are often low, requiring multiple seeds.

Cutting Propagation

Softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer can be used to propagate Dove Trees. Cut 6-8 inch (15-20 cm) semi-hardwood stems with several leaf nodes. Remove lower leaves and dip the cut ends in rooting hormone. Plant in a moist, well-draining medium and keep under high humidity.

Pests and Diseases

The Dove Tree is generally considered a low-maintenance tree with minimal susceptibility to pests and diseases. However, certain issues can arise under specific conditions. Below is a detailed overview of potential pests and diseases affecting the tree.

Common Pests

Aphids

• Symptoms: Leaves curling, yellowing foliage, and sticky honeydew secretion that attracts ants.
• Management: Introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings. Use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control severe infestations.

Scale insects

• Symptoms: Small, immobile bumps on stems and leaves, yellowing foliage, and stunted growth.
• Management: Remove scales manually with a soft brush or apply horticultural oils or systemic insecticides.

Spider mites

• Symptoms: Fine webbing on leaves, stippling, yellowing, and bronzing of foliage.
• Management: Spray leaves with strong water jets to dislodge mites. Miticides may be necessary in severe infestations.

Leafhoppers

• Symptoms: Pale, speckled leaves, stunted growth, and potential transmission of plant viruses.
• Management: Use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to reduce populations. Encourage natural predators such as lacewings.

Caterpillars

• Symptoms: Irregular leaf damage and defoliation.
• Management: Handpick caterpillars or apply biological controls like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to prevent excessive damage.

Common Diseases

Powdery mildew

• Symptoms: White, powdery fungal growth on leaves, leaf curling, and premature leaf drop.
• Management: Improve air circulation around the tree and apply sulfur-based fungicides if necessary.

Leaf spot diseases

• Symptoms: Dark brown or black spots on leaves, often with yellow halos, leading to early leaf drop.
• Management: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Apply copper-based fungicides in severe cases.

Canker Diseases

• Symptoms: Sunken, dead areas on branches or trunk, causing dieback and poor tree health.
• Management: Prune affected branches well below the infected area and disinfect pruning tools. Improve tree vigor through proper watering and fertilization.

Root rot

• Symptoms: Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and soft, decaying roots.
• Management: Ensure well-drained soil, avoid overwatering, and apply fungicides if necessary.

Verticillium wilt

• Symptoms: Wilting, yellowing, and browning of leaves, usually affecting one side of the tree first.
• Management: There is no cure. Improve soil health, prune affected branches, and ensure proper watering to support the tree’s resilience.