The Genus Franklinia
Family Theaceae
This is a genus of one species of tree that is native to North America - specifically the Georgia. Some consider Franklinia to be genetically close to Gordonia and the Asian genus, Schima.
The family Theaceae ranges through Africa, Asia, North America and South America. Other plants in the family that you may see in gardens of the Coastal Southeast are camellia (Camellia,) eurya (Eurya,) Franklin's tree (Franklinia,) loblolly bay (Gordonia,) schima (Schima) and stewartia (Stewartia.)
The family Theaceae ranges through Africa, Asia, North America and South America. Other plants in the family that you may see in gardens of the Coastal Southeast are camellia (Camellia,) eurya (Eurya,) Franklin's tree (Franklinia,) loblolly bay (Gordonia,) schima (Schima) and stewartia (Stewartia.)
Franklinia alatamaha
Franklinia alatamaha (AASU)
Franklin tree
This deciduous shrub or small tree can grow to about thirty feet tall. It was discovered in Georgia but is now extinct in the wild, surviving in gardens. The leathery leaves are about five inches long. Fall color may be reddish to purple. Three-inch wide, white flowers appear in fall. It grows in full sun to part shade in a reasonably moist, well-drained, acidic soil. It is recommended for zone 5 to 8.
Plants may be found in specialty catalogs. It can be propagated by seeds and semi-hardwood summer cuttings.
I have not grown this plant yet but a handsome young specimen grows at Armstrong Atlantic State University in zone 8b.
This deciduous shrub or small tree can grow to about thirty feet tall. It was discovered in Georgia but is now extinct in the wild, surviving in gardens. The leathery leaves are about five inches long. Fall color may be reddish to purple. Three-inch wide, white flowers appear in fall. It grows in full sun to part shade in a reasonably moist, well-drained, acidic soil. It is recommended for zone 5 to 8.
Plants may be found in specialty catalogs. It can be propagated by seeds and semi-hardwood summer cuttings.
I have not grown this plant yet but a handsome young specimen grows at Armstrong Atlantic State University in zone 8b.
Franklinia alatamaha close up (AASU)