How long does it take to flower?

It can take 10 to 15 years for a tree grown from seed to produce its first flowers.

Does it need full sun?

It prefers partial shade, especially in the afternoon, to protect its leaves from scorching.

Plant guide

Handkerchief tree.

Davidia involucrata

Pronounced dah-VID-ee-ah in-vol-yoo-KRAY-tah

Also known as Dove Tree, Dove-tree, Ghost Tree, Handkerchief Tree, dovetree, ghost-tree, handkerchief-tree

Davidia involucrata — Photo by Derek Winterburn (CC BY) via gbif

The handkerchief tree is a stunning deciduous specimen known for its unique, large white bracts that flutter in the breeze like linens. It is a slow growing tree that makes a beautiful focal point in a large garden. You will love the way it transforms your landscape during its late spring bloom.

Another photo of Handkerchief tree — Photo by Theivaprakasham Hari (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Deciduous tree
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 5 to 10 days
Mature size: 20 to 40 feet
Growth rate: Slow
Hardiness: USDA 6 to 8
Bloom time: Mid to late spring

Care

Plant this tree in a spot protected from harsh winds to keep those delicate bracts intact. Keep the soil consistently moist and watch for wilting leaves which indicate the tree is too dry. It prefers a cool climate and struggles in areas with intense summer heat.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged.
Feeding: Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer in early spring.
Pruning: Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches during the dormant season.
Repotting: This tree is best planted directly in the ground rather than containers.
Soil: Rich, moist, well drained soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic
Temperature: -20 to 30°C
Humidity: 50 to 70%

Safety

People: There are no significant reports of toxicity for humans.
Children: The large, hard seeds may pose a choking hazard if ingested by small children.
Contact allergens: No significant contact irritation is known.
Airborne allergens: Pollen may cause mild reactions in sensitive individuals during the short flowering window.
Edibility: The fruit is generally considered inedible and not for human consumption.

How to identify it

Large white pendulous floral bracts
Heart shaped serrated green leaves
Small reddish purple flower clusters
Rough gray brown exfoliating bark

Height: 6 to 12m
Spread: 4 to 9m
Leaves: bright green, deciduous
Flowers: white, green, 10 to 20cm
Fruit: green, brown, Autumn

Problems to watch for

Late Frost DamageCommon
Leaf SpotCommon
AphidsUncommon
CankerUncommon
Leaf ScorchUncommon
Powdery MildewUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings
When to plant: Spring, Autumn

Plant in a sheltered spot protected from strong winds to keep the delicate bracts intact for as long as possible.

Grows well with

Hosta · These shade lovers thrive in the same cool, moist conditions under the canopy.
Japanese Maple · They share similar light requirements and provide beautiful contrasting foliage textures.

Similar species

Cornus nuttallii · It also features large, showy white bracts that resemble flowers.

Science

Family: Nyssaceae
Genus: Davidia
Order: Cornales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Central and southern China.
Conservation: This species is considered near threatened in its native habitat due to forest clearing.

It grows in moist, temperate mountain forests where it benefits from cool, sheltered conditions.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees
Uses: ornamental specimen, shade tree

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 5/9
Temperature: 4/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How long does it take to flower?: It can take 10 to 15 years for a tree grown from seed to produce its first flowers.
Does it need full sun?: It prefers partial shade, especially in the afternoon, to protect its leaves from scorching.

Where the name comes from

The genus honors French missionary and botanist Armand David, while the species name refers to the prominent involucral bracts.

Good to know

It is the only member of its genus.
The tree was first introduced to the West by plant hunter Ernest Wilson.
It requires a long time to reach maturity before it begins to bloom.

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.