26 Unique Flowers Will Surprise You

Davidia involucrata (Dove Tree): The Dove tree is a broadleaf deciduous tree that grows 20 to 60 feet in height with orange and brown bark and alternate simple leaves. It is a native of China, but is rare in cultivation even in China. Pyramidal in youth, it matures with a rounded; dense branching form. The tree flowers in early spring with two large, white bracts surrounding a flower and resembling a dove in shape. It is slow to begin flowering. Variable fall color ranges from undistinguished dull pastels to bright oranges and reds. The plant can be grown from seed, but it can take up to 10 years after planting for a tree to flower, and it may not regularly flower each year thereafter. The genus name honors Abbe Armand David (1826-1900), a French missionary in China who collected many plants and animals. The specific epithet refers to the ring of bracts surrounding the flowers. Plant in full sun to partial shade; the tree may appreciate afternoon shade in areas with hot summers. The Dove tree prefers moist, well-drained, organically rich soil and does not tolerate drying out in times of drought. In sites subject to heavy wind, the tree may need support or protection. The genus Davidia is named for Father Armand David (1826–1900; Père David), a French Vincentian missionary and keen naturalist who lived in China. David first described the tree in 1869 as a single tree found at over 2,000 m (6,562 ft) altitude, and sent dried specimens to Paris; in 1871, Henri Baillon described it as a new genus and species.