Franklinia alatamaha, franklinia
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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Franklinia alatamaha

franklinia

TheaceaeNorth America

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height10–20 feet (3–6 m)
Width6–15 feet (1.8–4.5 m)
Maturity12 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 8
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Fragrant (light)
Native to North America
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Franklinia alatamaha, commonly called franklinia or the Franklin tree, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree or large multi-stemmed shrub in the family Theaceae, the sole species in a monotypic genus. It holds the remarkable distinction of being extinct in the wild — last observed growing along the Altamaha River in coastal Georgia in 1803 — and every living specimen today descends from seeds collected by botanist John Bartram and his son William between 1765 and 1776. Named in honor of Benjamin Franklin, it represents one of the most significant botanical conservation stories in North American history. In Pacific Northwest gardens it grows 10–20 feet (3–6 m) tall with attractive, flaking reddish-brown and gray bark on older stems. The ornamental season begins in late summer (August–September), when 3-inch (7.5 cm) camellia-like white flowers with a prominent boss of golden-yellow stamens open — a season when few other trees flower. The large, glossy, oblong-obovate leaves 5–6 inches (12–15 cm) long simultaneously begin turning orange, red, and burgundy, creating an extraordinary concurrent display of white flowers and autumn foliage in September and October that is unique among hardy deciduous trees. Requires acidic, well-drained soil and careful siting; a plant of considerable educational and conservation significance.

Native Range

Originally native to a small population along the banks of the Altamaha River in coastal Georgia (McIntosh County), growing in moist, humus-rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soils. Extinct in the wild since approximately 1803. All living plants are of garden or nursery origin, descended from material collected by John and William Bartram. Native to North America.

Suggested Uses

Franklinia is a plant of exceptional botanical, historical, and educational significance — suitable as a focal specimen in the woodland garden or sheltered mixed border where its unique combination of late-summer flowers and simultaneous autumn foliage can be appreciated at close range. Outstanding sited against an evergreen background where the white flowers and autumn color are maximized. Of particular value in the horticulture curriculum as a conservation story. Well-combined with other acid-soil companions: Enkianthus, Camellia, Pieris, and Kalmia. A Great Plant Pick for sheltered Pacific Northwest gardens in Zone 7–8.

How to Identify

Franklinia is identified by its large, camellia-like white flowers 3 inches (7.5 cm) across with five rounded petals and a prominent central cluster of golden-yellow stamens, appearing in late summer to autumn (August–October) on a deciduous tree. The large, alternate, glossy, oblong-obovate leaves 5–6 inches (12–15 cm) long with finely serrated margins turn orange, red, and burgundy in autumn, often coinciding with the late flowers for a simultaneous display. The attractive reddish-brown and gray flaking bark on older stems adds winter interest. No other hardy deciduous tree produces large white camellia-like flowers in late summer to autumn combined with spectacular fall color.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10' - 20'
Width/Spread6' - 15'

Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

orange
red
purple

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks
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SummerFall
Franklinia blooms in late summer to autumn — August through October in Pacific Northwest gardens — a season when remarkably few other trees are in flower. The camellia-like white flowers 3 inches (7.5 cm) across open over a four-to-six-week period, partially overlapping with the onset of autumn leaf color to produce the plant's most distinctive ornamental effect: white flowers and red-orange foliage simultaneously on the same tree in September and October. Individual flowers are short-lived but produced in succession.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White; camellia-like, 3 inches (7.5 cm) across; five rounded petals, prominent central boss of golden-yellow stamens; lightly fragrant

Foliage Description

Alternate, glossy, oblong-obovate, 5–6 inches (12–15 cm), dark green with finely serrated margins; turns orange, red, and burgundy in autumn

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range4.5 - 6.5(Acidic)
357912
Soil Types
loampeatsand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10–15 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, humus-rich, acidic (pH 4.5–6.5), well-drained soil. Franklinia is particular about soil conditions — it requires good drainage combined with consistent moisture, and will not tolerate waterlogged soils or alkaline conditions. Incorporate generous leaf mold and composted bark at planting. In Pacific Northwest gardens, a sheltered position with protection from drying east winds is advisable. Water regularly through the growing season, especially in the first two to three years of establishment. Avoid disturbing the root zone. In some Pacific Northwest locations, late-season flowers may not open fully before cold arrives — choose a warm, sunny, sheltered microsite to maximize flowering.

Pruning

Minimal pruning required. Remove dead or damaged stems in early spring. Light shaping can be done after flowering in late autumn. Franklinia develops a naturally attractive, multi-stemmed form and does not require regular pruning. Avoid heavy pruning — the plant is slow to recover.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

moderate

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic