Physical Description
The Franklin tree is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows up to 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters) tall. It has large, glossy, dark green leaves that turn yellow to red in the fall. The tree produces striking, fragrant white flowers with yellow centers that bloom in late summer.
Environmental Concerns
The Franklin tree is considered extinct in the wild and is only known from cultivation. It was originally found along the Altamaha River in Georgia, USA, but disappeared from its native habitat in the early 19th century, likely due to habitat destruction and over-collection. Its current survival depends on cultivation in botanical gardens and private collections.
Other Information
Discovered by botanists John and William Bartram in the 18th century, the Franklin tree is named in honor of Benjamin Franklin. Efforts to reintroduce it to the wild have been unsuccessful so far, but it remains a popular ornamental tree in gardens and landscapes.
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