handkerchief tree UK /ˌhæŋkət͡ʃɪf ˈtɹiː/US /ˌhæŋkəɹt͡ʃəf ˈtɹi/ noun2 •The dove tree (Davidia involucrata), which has large white bracts said to look like handkerchiefs. •(no longer used) An arrangement of handkerchiefs in the form of a tree, specifically on a stand as a display for sale. formshandkerchief trees