Water
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during establishment and dry periods. Water deeply to encourage strong root development. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering slightly during winter dormancy.
Also known as Dove Tree · Dovetree · Ghost-Tree
Dove-Tree (Davidia involucrata) is a unique deciduous tree with large, showy, white bracts that resemble doves in flight.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade to Full Sun
50% intensity
Prefers dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon shade in hot climates. Tolerates full sun if soil remains moist.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Maintain evenly moist soil, especially when young. Avoid letting soil dry out completely.
Well-drained, fertile
50% intensity
Hardy
50% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures. Protect young trees from severe frost.
Moderate
25% intensity
Fertilize young trees in spring. Mature trees rarely need feeding unless showing signs of deficiency.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during establishment and dry periods. Water deeply to encourage strong root development. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering slightly during winter dormancy.
Prune to establish a strong framework when young. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches as needed. Avoid heavy pruning; aim for natural form. Prune lightly after flowering to shape or control size, if necessary.
Propagation is typically done from seed, which requires a period of cold stratification to germinate. Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings can also be taken in summer, but rooting can be challenging.
Grafting is another method used.
Repotting is generally only necessary for container-grown young trees, typically every 2-3 years. Choose a pot one size larger with good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix.
Repot in early spring before new growth begins.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Dove-Tree (Davidia involucrata)
Where Dove-Tree (Davidia involucrata) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Nyssaceae |
| Genus | Davidia |
| Species | Davidia involucrata |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data