Dove tree (handkerchief tree) Davidia involucrata
Dove tree (handkerchief tree) (Davidia involucrata) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Nyssaceae family, native to Mountains of south-west China. It grows 12–20 m (39–66 ft) tall and 8–12 m (26–39 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -20 °C (-4 °F). Space plants about 10 m (33 ft) apart.
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Dove tree (handkerchief tree) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Nyssaceae |
| Mature height | 12–20 m (39–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–12 m (26–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 10 m (33 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -20 °C (-4 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mountains of south-west China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Dove tree (handkerchief tree) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Dove tree (handkerchief tree)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Dove tree (handkerchief tree)
- How far apart should I plant Dove tree (handkerchief tree)?
- About 10 m (33 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–12 m (26–39 ft).
- Does Dove tree (handkerchief tree) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Dove tree (handkerchief tree) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Dove tree (handkerchief tree)?
- It tolerates about -20 °C (-4 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Dove tree (handkerchief tree) flower?
- From about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Dove tree (handkerchief tree) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Dove tree (handkerchief tree)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Dove tree (handkerchief tree). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Pairs of large white bracts flutter like doves or handkerchiefs in late spring. Patient planting: often 10–20 years before it flowers.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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