2. Native Flora Garden

Dove Tree, Handkerchief Tree (Davidia involucrata)

Photo: Romi Ige.

Plants' names often reflect their resemblance to other things: Both of Davidia involucrata's common names come from the large white bracts that drape its flower, which to some viewers look like a handkerchief and others a dove. A holdover from the Tertiary period millions of years ago, the tree is now rare in China, its native habitat. In fact, Chinese botanists often visit BBG in order to see specimens of this uncommon tree.

Notable Neighbors:

• 2A. Sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
• 2B. Black tupelo, sour gum (Nyssa sylvatica)
• 2C. Common persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
• 2D. English oak (Quercus robur)
• 2E. Dove tree, handkerchief tree (Davidia involucrata)
• 2F. Carolina or Canadian poplar (Populus x canadensis)