Dove Tree
FAMILY: DAVIDIACEAE
About Dove Tree at OSU's Landscape Plants site
Also known as the handkerchief tree or ghost tree.
Native to China.
Can reach 100’ but this is rare.
Leaves are heart-shaped and tend to be malodorous.
Flowers are very small but have two white bracts, one larger than the other, hence its common name: the tree looks like hundreds of doves are sitting on the branches when in flower.
Fruit is roundish, green, hard, and about 1.5” in width on a 3” stalk.
Fall color is a muted yellow.
Very rare in Portland, although #265 is more common than the species tree. #292 was planted as a seedling in 1952.
| Tree # | Location | Dimensions | Photo and Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 265 | Private, Rear Yard | 40' Height 40' Spread 5.3' Circ. | This tree is not visible from the street. It is Davidia involucrata var. vilmorinia,a variety of the Dove Tree with hairless leaves, called a Hardy Dove Tree.  |
| 292 | Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden Portland Parks & Recreation | 40' Height 54' Spread 5.4' Circ. | This tree was planted as a seedling in 1952 and is located within the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden (Fee Entry). It can be found at the south end of the Park, between the Pavillion and the Restrooms.  |