The Davidia is far more frequently know by it’s other names - the ‘Dove’ or ‘Handkerchief’ Tree because of the unusual white bracts that form as the tree matures. These protect the flowers from rain and wind and the tree is therefore a very useful pollinator. It is now classed as being part of the Dogwood family, that is native to Europe and the UK although this variety came from China where a French monk; Père Armand David, spotted a single tree in 1869 but wasn’t able to send seed back to Europe (he also lent his name to the butterfly bush, Buddleia davidii)
All the trees (and their positioning) on this tree trail have been discussed with arboreal specialists
Town Map
