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Great Design Tree: The Dove Tree
With distinctive fluttery flowers and a height that towers over the landscape, the dove tree provides a respite from the summer sun
Not often included in the assemblage of flowering trees for spring is the dazzling and perhaps lesser known dove tree (Davidia involucrata). “The tree has a beautiful horizontal branching structure and large, elegantly shaped leaves," says landscape architect Christopher Yates. "It has a striking presence in the landscape, and the flowers are at once unusual and beautiful — pure white and pendulous." Certainly a landscape investment, the dove tree welcomes admiration and interest, begging a closer look. Shall we?
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| Botanical name: Davidia involucrata Common names: Dove tree, ghost tree, handkerchief tree USDA zones: 5 to 8 Water requirement: Regular Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade Mature size: 35 to 65 feet tall, 15 to 40 feet wide Photo by Wouter Hagens via Wikimedia Commons |
Distinguishing traits. Dove trees flower in late spring, producing small, red flowers surrounded by pairs of 7-inch white bracts, or elegant petals. The flowers blanket the tree and loosely cascade over leaves and branches, creating an elegant and ghostly effect.
Photo by vaantjesboom via Wikimedia Commons
Photo by vaantjesboom via Wikimedia Commons
It's clear from this image where the name "dove tree" comes from, as the flowers resemble resting birds.
Photo by Marco Schmidt via Wikimedia Commons
Photo by Marco Schmidt via Wikimedia Commons
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| After flowering, globular brown fruits remain suspended from the tree's branches, persisting through winter. Photo by Zephyris via Wikimedia Commons |
How to use it. We often see dove trees in a park setting or other places that offer an opportunity for a commanding presence. This tree is a landscape investment and deserves to be treated as such. Plant it in front of a dark wall or contrasting foliage to accent its bright leaves and fluttery flowers. Surrounded by low-growing plants, as shown here, the form and features of the tree are showcased. In summer, the loose foliage provides a cool and enjoyable respite from the sun, while winter reveals the tree's globular crown and strong branching structure.
Planting notes. While this tree takes some time to get growing, it’s a hardy and often worry free tree once it gets into gear. It takes about 10 years from seed before it begins blooming. There are cultivars available that flower at a younger age.
Plant in rich, well-drained soil to promote healthy growth. The dove tree is not drought tolerant, so be sure to maintain constant soil moisture. Saplings require wind protection, and mature trees prefer to be somewhat sheltered too. In the hottest climates, plant in partial shade.
Photo by Wouter Hagens via Wikimedia Commons
More great design trees:
Bald Cypress | Chinese Witch Hazel | Japanese Maple | Manzanita | Persian Ironwood
Smoke Tree | Texas Mountain Laurel | Tree Aloe
Great design plants:
Euphorbia | Red-Leafed Mukdenia | Blue Chalk Sticks | Hens-and-Chicks | Redtwig Dogwood |Toyon
Great design flowers:
Canna Lily | Catmint | Golden Creeping Jenny | Pacific Coast Iris | Plumbago
Red Kangaroo Paw | Sally Holmes Rose | Slipper Plant | Snake Flower
Great design grasses:
Black Mondo Grass | Cape Rush | Feather Reed Grass | New Zealand Wind Grass
Planting notes. While this tree takes some time to get growing, it’s a hardy and often worry free tree once it gets into gear. It takes about 10 years from seed before it begins blooming. There are cultivars available that flower at a younger age.
Plant in rich, well-drained soil to promote healthy growth. The dove tree is not drought tolerant, so be sure to maintain constant soil moisture. Saplings require wind protection, and mature trees prefer to be somewhat sheltered too. In the hottest climates, plant in partial shade.
Photo by Wouter Hagens via Wikimedia Commons
More great design trees:
Bald Cypress | Chinese Witch Hazel | Japanese Maple | Manzanita | Persian Ironwood
Smoke Tree | Texas Mountain Laurel | Tree Aloe
Great design plants:
Euphorbia | Red-Leafed Mukdenia | Blue Chalk Sticks | Hens-and-Chicks | Redtwig Dogwood |Toyon
Great design flowers:
Canna Lily | Catmint | Golden Creeping Jenny | Pacific Coast Iris | Plumbago
Red Kangaroo Paw | Sally Holmes Rose | Slipper Plant | Snake Flower
Great design grasses:
Black Mondo Grass | Cape Rush | Feather Reed Grass | New Zealand Wind Grass
Comments
Rough Linen Makes a good present for people called David too...
14 months ago · Like
fiownah They are interestingly beautiful, but also a very messy tree! The flowers end up everywhere, but the "fruit" are worse. They most definitely do not "remain suspended from the trees branches" Most of them end up all over the ground below. Fine unless that is a walkway, a driveway, or a roof!
14 months ago · Like
nune6863 different shapes of white
12 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on April 16, 2012.
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