Ben Franklin-named extinct-in-the-wild trees to be planted in Old City soon.
In 1765, the father of American botany, John Bartram, alongside his son William, embarked on an exploration in Georgia that would yield a significant botanical discovery. While traversing the banks of the Altahama River, they encountered a remarkable tree distinguished by its glossy, narrow leaves and large, fragrant cream-colored blossoms. Recognizing its potential, Bartram collected seedpods from this striking specimen and transported them back to their garden in Southwest Philadelphia for propagation.
Bartram named this beautiful tree Franklinia altahama in honor of his esteemed friend, Benjamin Franklin. Unfortunately, the Franklin tree is now extinct in its native habitat, with the sole remaining specimens descending from those nurtured at Bartram’s Garden. This historic garden, established by Bartram himself, is recognized as the oldest surviving botanical garden in the United States and has played a crucial role in preserving this rare species.
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, two six-foot-tall Franklin trees are set to be planted at Carpenter’s Hall, the venue of the first Continental Congress. Scheduled for placement on April 25, the trees are intended to celebrate this momentous occasion, known as the Semiquincentennial, while enhancing the landscape of the historic site.
Michael Norris, the executive director of Carpenter’s Hall, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming addition of these trees, describing them as a delightful new feature for visitors and a fitting tribute to Franklin’s legacy. The choice of Franklin trees aligns perfectly with Carpenter’s Hall’s recent completion of a multimillion-dollar renovation and restoration project, which faced challenges, including fire damage, prior to its reopening in 2023.
The Franklin trees will replace some less visually appealing boxwoods on the premises, and Norris emphasized the significance of highlighting these rare trees within Philadelphia’s Historic District. The trees are anticipated to flourish, exhibiting their signature blossoms around mid to late July, coinciding with the peak tourist season in Philadelphia. Trevor Lee, a member of Carpenter’s Hall and a partner at OLIN, a renowned landscape architecture design studio, noted the sensory experience visitors will encounter as they approach the hall, greeted by the trees’ fragrance and impressive stature.
Well-known for their vibrant orange blossoms and shiny foliage, Franklin trees require particular care, preferring well-drained soil but not drought conditions. Maitrey Roy, executive director of Bartram’s Garden, highlighted the importance of proper cultivation for the Franklin trees to thrive beautifully, underscoring their legacy. As symbols of endurance and botanical significance, the Franklin trees encapsulate Benjamin Franklin’s love for natural science and the broader narrative of courage associated with Carpenter’s Hall, making them a fitting addition to this iconic site.
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