Franklinia (Franklin Tree) at Bartram's Garden

Bartram's Garden in southwest Philadelphia preserves cultivated specimens of Franklinia alatamaha, a small tree discovered by John and William Bartram in the 18th century that is now extinct in the wild. John Bartram propagated the species at his garden, and the trees at Bartram's represent the only known surviving lineage descended from his original plantings. The Franklin tree at Bartram's Garden is frequently cited in botanical histories as an example of early American plant exploration and ex situ conservation. Bartram's Garden is the oldest surviving botanic garden in North America and maintains records and living collections related to the Bartrams' work.