Franklinia alatamaha, commonly known as Franklin Tree, is a small deciduous tree historically native to the Altamaha River valley in Georgia, but it has been extinct in the wild since the early 19th century. It typically grows to 10 m (33 ft) tall, but more commonly reaches 4.5–7.5 m (15–25 ft) in cultivation. The Franklin Tree is celebrated for its fragrant, showy white flowers, which bloom in late summer to early fall and resemble single white Camellia blossoms, with a scent reminiscent of orange blossoms or honeysuckle. The tree has a symmetrical, somewhat pyramidal shape, with individuals often forming nearly identical crowns. It is known to sucker and can form multiple vertical trunks from the base.

Franklinia alatamaha is valued for its beautiful flowers and potential longevity, with specimens living over a century once established. It is used in gardens and landscapes for its ornamental appeal, and despite its reputation for being difficult to cultivate, it can thrive under the right conditions. It requires sandy, acidic soil and does not tolerate compacted clay, excessive moisture, or root disturbance. While it has no major pests, it is susceptible to root-rot and crown-rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi and struggles with drought. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade, ample water, and well-drained soil. Due to its historical significance and rarity, the Franklin Tree is often a conversation piece in gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0