Davidia involucrata

Davidia involucrata (18/05/2103, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to light shade

Flowering period: Late spring

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 20m

Eventual Spread: 20m

Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a

Family: Cornaceae

Davidia involucrata Flower (18/05/2103, Kew Gardens, London)

Davidia involucrata is a moderately fast growing deciduous tree with a spreading habit. Its mid green leaves are cordate with serrate margins, up to 15cm long and 12cm broad. Its red/ brown and silver bark peels off in large flake. Its red flowers appear in tight clusters and are up to 2cm across. Each flower cluster has a pair of pendulous white bracts, one large one small, the larger is up to 16cm long. Its fruit is a hard nut which is up to 3cm long.

Davidia involucrata, commonly known as the Handkerchief Tree, Ghost Tree or Dove Tree, is native to south central and south west China. In its native habitat it grows in mixed forests Davidia involucrata is the only member of this genus.

Davidia involucrata Leaf (18/05/2103, Kew Gardens, London)

The etymological root of the binomial name Davidia is named after Father Armand David (1826 – 1900), a french missionary and naturalist. Involucrata is derived from the Latin involucrum meaning ‘wrap’, in reference to its bracts.

The landscape architect may find Davidia involucrata useful as a medium sized parkland tree with dramatic flowers and bracts.

Davidia involucrata Autumn Leaf (08/11/2015, Kew Gardens, London)

Ecologically, Davidia involucrata flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.

The Royal Horticultural Society has given Davidia involucrata their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.

Davidia involucrata Bark (18/05/2103, Kew Gardens, London)

Davidia involucrata prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.

Davidia involucrata requires little maintenance.