Franklin Tree (Franklinia alatamaha): Extinct-in-the-Wild Native with Late Summer Blooms

Franklin tree (Franklinia alatamaha) was discovered along Georgia's Altamaha River in 1765 by John and William Bartram and is considered extinct in the wild. All plants today descend from their Philadelphia garden. Named for Benjamin Franklin.

Distinctive Features

Deciduous understory tree with upright habit, growable as single-trunk or multi-stem. Fragrant white flowers with bushy yellow stamens bloom late summer/early autumn when few trees flower. Dark green glossy leaves turn orange, red, purple in fall. Woody spherical fruit follows.

Culture & Propagation

Grow in organically rich, moist but very well-drained acidic to neutral soil in full sun. Resents transplanting—don't disturb once planted. Sow seed as soon as ripe at 50–64°F. Root softwood cuttings in summer with bottom heat. Watch for wilt, root rot, Japanese beetles.

Quick Reference

• Height/Spread: 10–15 ft.
• Growth Pace: Moderate
• Light: Full sun only
• Moisture: Medium
• Maintenance: Moderate
• Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
• Flower Colors: White, yellow
• Attributes: Native, fragrant flowers, showy fall foliage, attracts songbirds
• Uses: Specimen, woodland gardens