Franklin tree
Franklinia alatamaha
Last reviewed: October 2026
Franklin tree (Franklinia alatamaha) is a perennial tree native to GA. It blooms in July, August, and September. The flowers draw bees.
Toxicity unknown
Franklin tree (Franklinia alatamaha) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
96"–240" H × 72"–180" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
GA
Pollinators
bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
Small deciduous tree with glossy dark green leaves that turn deep red in autumn and large white camellia-like flowers with golden centers, blooming from late summer into fall when most other trees have finished flowering.
Growing Franklin tree
Grow Franklin tree in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 96 to 240 inches tall and spread 72 to 180 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Fragrant flowers attract bees late in the season when fewer other nectar sources are in bloom.
Common questions
- How much sun does Franklin tree need?
- Franklin tree grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Franklin tree bloom?
- Franklin tree blooms in July, August, and September.
- Where is Franklin tree native?
- Franklin tree (Franklinia alatamaha) is native to GA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Franklin tree attract?
- Franklin tree draws bees.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Franklin tree? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.