This beautiful tree has an interesting history. It was first found in Western China by a French missionary and naturalist, Friar Armand David. Friar David logged and shipped many new and interesting plants back to his homeland. So many, in fact, that he was relieved of his duties in teaching natural history and encouraged to continue his explorations. While many of the plants are recognized, he is best remembered for taking note of the Chinese panda and is considered the first European to see a live panda. Thus his place in history was achieved.
The plant legacy was more extensive and we count the dove tree as one of the most beautiful specimens brought out of China during the early 1900s. It gained the name Handkerchief Tree in Europe because of the white fluttering blooms that appear in the spring on mature trees. The dove tree is a deciduous tree with a pyramidal form. The leaves are similar to the redbud: heart-shaped and slightly textured. It is rare in the nursery trade and therefore rare in landscapes in the United States. A noted exception is the landscaping choice made by Dove Ranch in Lubbock, Texas. Several years ago, more than 40 dove trees were planted on either side of the road leading into the facility.
The dove tree is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 8b. It grows very slowly and should be considered an understory in central Texas. It demands well-drained soils, medium moisture, and protection from afternoon sun. It is extremely slow to flower and sometimes even skips a spring, but it is breathtaking in bloom and well worth the rare sight!
The plant legacy was more extensive and we count the dove tree as one of the most beautiful specimens brought out of China during the early 1900s. It gained the name Handkerchief Tree in Europe because of the white fluttering blooms that appear in the spring on mature trees. The dove tree is a deciduous tree with a pyramidal form. The leaves are similar to the redbud: heart-shaped and slightly textured. It is rare in the nursery trade and therefore rare in landscapes in the United States. A noted exception is the landscaping choice made by Dove Ranch in Lubbock, Texas. Several years ago, more than 40 dove trees were planted on either side of the road leading into the facility.
The dove tree is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 8b. It grows very slowly and should be considered an understory in central Texas. It demands well-drained soils, medium moisture, and protection from afternoon sun. It is extremely slow to flower and sometimes even skips a spring, but it is breathtaking in bloom and well worth the rare sight!