Davidia involucrata var. vilmoriniana – Pocket-handkerchief tree, Dove Tree, Ghost tree

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Nyssaceae

Davidia involucrata var. vilmoriniana – Pocket-handkerchief tree, Dove Tree, Ghost tree

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Large tree that forms an undulating rounded crown later in life. In its natural habitat it grows to up to 20 m in height but in our climate its maximum is 15 m. The crown consists of sturdy branches that turn colour from olive green to yellow-brown. The trunk flakes off in various shades of grey. The leaves are heart-shaped to ovoid and tapered. The only thing that distinguishes it from the species is that the underside of the leaves is bare. The leaf edge is roughly serrated and the small flowers are in purple heads. The bracts make Davidia in full bloom an impressive sight. These bracts hang down on either side of the flower heads. They are creamy-white and dissimilar in shape and size. The largest measure approx. 15 cm. The nut-like fruit hangs singly on long stems. Requires a sheltered site because of the risk of frost damage.

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Specifications
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Height
10 - 12 (15) m
Crown
broad ovoid to rounded, half-open crown
Bark and branches
light brown to grey-brown
Leaf
heart-shaped to ovoid, fresh dark green, 7 - 14 cm
Flowers
small, in purple-brown heads, cream-coloured bracts, May
Fruits
long-stemmed drupe, Ø approx. 3.5 cm
Spines/thorns
None
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
any humid, nutritious soil
Paving
tolerates no paving
Winter hardiness zone
7a (-17,7 to -15,0 °C)
Wind resistance
good
Other resistances
can withstand wind
Fauna tree
valuable for bees (honey plant), valuable for butterflies
Shape
clearstem tree, multi-stem treem
Origin
Western China
Clear stem tree Multi-stem tree calcareous soil loamy soil peaty soil sandy soil tolerates no paving can withstand wind broad ovoid 1st size , taller than 12 metres half-open crown green May average growing Conspicuous bloom valuable for bees (honey plant) valuable for butterflies non-toxic (usually)
Frequently asked questions
Davidia involucrata var. vilmoriniana

Davidia involucrata var. vilmoriniana can eventually reach a height of 10 - 12 (15) m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Davidia involucrata var. vilmoriniana is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 10 - 12 (15) m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The right time to plant Davidia involucrata var. vilmoriniana is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Davidia involucrata var. vilmoriniana with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Davidia involucrata var. vilmoriniana blooms in may.
General