Franklin Tree (Franklinia alatamaha)

The American born botanist John Bartram discovered this unique understory tree in 1765 and named it in honor of Benjamin Franklin. The franklin tree (Franklinia alatamaha) was seen only along the bank of the Altamaha River in Georgia and today no longer exists in the wild. As the sightings of the Franklinia became more and more rare, those in Bartram’s home garden in Philadelphia flourished. The cupped, bright white-petaled, fragrant blossom has a yolk-yellow center resembling a fried egg. Nearing summer’s end, our Franklinia, tucked in along the white pine trees down by our pond, blooms profusely and is often smelled before seen. The deep ruby-red fall color is stunning. Truly, an award-winning tree. Found in zones 5 to 8.