Franklin tree Theaceae Franklinia alatamaha Bartram ex Marsh.   symbol: FRAL
	Leaf: Alternate, simple, narrowly obovate, finely serrated, 3 to 6 inches long, dark shiny green above, paler and hairy below. Flower: Showy, white with 5 petals arranged cup-like, yellow stamens in center, 2 to 3 inches across, appearing in late summer and up to first frost. Fruit: Nearly round woody capsule, 3/4 inch across, initially green and turning brown when ripe, splits 5 ways from the base. Twig: Moderate, brown, and somewhat silky, leaf scars shield-shaped, buds are hairy and taper to a long point. Bark: Thin, gray to reddish brown, develops shallow vertical splits with age. Form: A shrub or small tree with a spreading open crown, may reach up to 20 feet.
	USDA Plants Database Franklinia alatamaha is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. See states reporting Franklin tree (opens a new window).