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T20. Franklinia alatamaha
Franklin tree
Hardiness: USDA 6–9
Full sun to partial shade
Average soil
Native
10–20 feet tall
The famous plant explorer John Bartram discovered this tree in the late 18th century on the shores of the Altamaha (or Alatamaha) River in Georgia. Bartram named the species after Benjamin Franklin and collected the plant for distribution; the species was subsequently never found in the wild again, and all of today's plants are descendants of that original discovery. Closely resembling its relative the Stewartia pseudocamellia, the multistemmed Franklin tree has similar snowy-white camellia-like flowers and fissured bark. In autumn, the tree's leaves display a vibrant range of orange, red, and purple. The Franklin tree requires well-drained, moist soil and should not be transplanted once established.
Photo Courtesy of Horticopia