Hoyt Arboretum, Portland, Oregon, USA

Common name: Dove Tree, 珙桐 gong tong

Family: Cornaceae

Distribution: China

Habitat: Montane mixed forests; 1100-2600 m. Guizhou, W Hubei, W Hunan, Sichuan, N Yunnan.

IUCN Red list: Not evaluated

Regional red list: Not evaluated

Hardiness: Zone 6b -5 to 0 F

Life form: Deciduous tree

Usage: Ornamental shade tree

Comments: Dove tree is a medium sized, deciduous tree, native to woodlands in southwestern China, to 20-40’ tall with a broad pyramidal habit. In late May and early June, it is draped with 7-inch-long white bracts that enclose its smaller flowers. The bracts flutter in the slightest breeze, and, from a distance, purportedly look like white doves sitting in the tree, hence the common name. Variable fall color ranges from undistinguished dull pastels to bright oranges and reds. Dove tree's cinnamon-colored bark provides winter interest.
Best grown in well-drained soils, but will tolerate sandy or clay soil with adequate drainage.