Dove Tree

Davidia involucrata 'Lady Dahlia' is a deciduous dove tree whose bright green leaves carry an irregular gold mark along the midrib, most vivid in spring. Small flower clusters are framed by two large, white, handkerchief-like bracts, bringing the species' distinctive spring display together with the cultivar's unusual foliage. [RHS describes the exact selection](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/368364/davidia-involucrata-lady-dahlia-v/details), and the [JC Raulston Arboretum lists it in its living collection](https://jcra.ncsu.edu/horticulture/our-plants/results-by-name-serial-number.php?serial=125179). ## Form and seasonal interest The formal, pyramidal crown makes this a visible specimen tree. Its gold-yellow foliage marking is strongest in spring and becomes more subdued during summer. One exact-selection nursery estimates mature dimensions at about 8–9 m tall and 5 m wide; age, site, and climate affect the eventual outline. [Broken Arrow Nursery](https://www.brokenarrownursery.com/davidia-involucrata-lady-dahlia-lady-dahlia-dove-tree.html) describes the gold splash and pyramidal habit, while [Promesse de Fleurs](https://www.promessedefleurs.com/arbustes/arbustes-par-variete/davidia-arbre-aux-mouchoirs/arbre-aux-mouchoirs-davidia-involucrata-lady-dahlia.html) provides the cultivar-specific mature-size estimate. ## Siting Grow in full sun or partial shade, with light afternoon shade useful in hot climates. Choose deep, fertile, moist, well-drained soil and a sheltered position; the tree does not thrive when allowed to dry out. ## Maintenance Water during dry periods to keep the root zone evenly moist, especially while the tree establishes. Protect young growth from drying winds and leave enough open space for the mature crown. Prune selectively only when needed to maintain a sound framework or remove damaged wood.