Intro: Franklin tree is a lovely small tree or shrub with camellia-like flowers and an orange blossom scent. It flowers profusely and continuously from late summer to frost. Fall color for this plant is also striking and ranges from red to maroon. Though the species has survived in cultivation, it is somewhat particular about its surroundings and is not always easy to grow.

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Comments: The interesting story that accounts for every known specimen of this plant begins with John and William Bartram. In 1765, these well known botanists came upon a "rare and elegant flowering shrub" along the Altamaha River in Georgia. They collected seeds and brought them to Philadelphia to grow in their botanical garden. The plant was named Franklinia for Benjamin Franklin. Franklin Tree was rare even when the Bartrams first found it in 1765. It has not been seen in the wild since 1803 and all modern specimens are direct descendents of the plants raised by the Bartrams in Philadelphia. The plant may now be found in the gardens of Franklin Tree enthusiasts throughout the world.

Height: 10-20 ft.

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description: Franklin tree is a lovely small tree or shrub with camellia-like flowers and an orange blossom scent. It flowers profusely and continuously from late summer to frost. Fall color for this plant is also striking and ranges from red to maroon. Though the species has survived in cultivation, it is somewhat particular about its surroundings and is not always easy to grow.

stems:

leaves:

inflorescence:

flowers:

fruits:

comments: The interesting story that accounts for every known specimen of this plant begins with John and William Bartram. In 1765, these well known botanists came upon a "rare and elegant flowering shrub" along the Altamaha River in Georgia. They collected seeds and brought them to Philadelphia to grow in their botanical garden. The plant was named Franklinia for Benjamin Franklin. Franklin Tree was rare even when the Bartrams first found it in 1765. It has not been seen in the wild since 1803 and all modern specimens are direct descendents of the plants raised by the Bartrams in Philadelphia. The plant may now be found in the gardens of Franklin Tree enthusiasts throughout the world.

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native range: GA (extinct) - now only in cultivation