Photo gallery

  • Davidia involucrata on the rows of the Barcham Trees nursery
  • The white flowers of Davidia involucrata
  • The white flowers of Davidia involucrata
  • The fruits of Davidia involucrata
  • Davidia involucrata autumn colour
  • A grown specimen of Davidia involucrata in a park
  • Medium-sized specimens of the Handkerchief Tree at Barcham
  • Carbon rating
  • Carbon rating

Handkerchief Tree, Dove Tree

Davidia involucrata

Out of stock

Our new stock is growing! New stock will be available 1st September 2025.

About this product

Davidia involucrata, commonly referred to as Handkerchief Tree, is a stunning tree that produces intriguing flowers that are brilliantly unique!

This pretty tree is also known as Dove Tree, owing to its interestingly shaped flowers.

The unique Davidia involucrata was discovered in China by Père David in 1869 and introduced to the UK in 1904.

The flowers produced by this plant are truly magnificent, showcasing the beauty of the plant world! While the variety vilmoriniana is often specified, there is little to no difference between it and its parent plant.

The name of this tree is so designated due to the large handkerchief-like flowers that adorn mature trees in May, followed by large, oval fruits in autumn. The bright green leaves are similar to that of Lime and emerge at a similar time to the flower.

Davidia involucrata is a broadly pyramidal tree of medium to large size at maturity. It thrives best on deep fertile soil and prefers to be planted in a fairly sheltered position.

Whilst this superb tree is a must-have for those of you who would like something unusual in your planting scheme, it is worth noting that flowering can take 15-20 years to occur and thus this tree does involve some investment in time on your part! It is therefore best planted by the patient, in an area where its beauty can be appreciated in years to come.

The trees we supply here are 5-7 years old and can therefore give some head start from a flowering perspective!

Mature height: 7-12m

Specifications

Common names
Handkerchief Tree, Dove Tree
Height of tree
7-12m
Soil type
Well drained, Will tolerate most soil types
Shape
Oval
Blossom Colour
White
Foliage Colour
Green
Looks good in
Autumn, Spring
Location
Garden, Parkland
Genus
Davidia