Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic

Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina Jessamine) vines in April.
Photo © Elaine L. Mills

Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina Jessamine) buds and flowers in April.
Photo © Elaine L. Mills

Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina Jessamine) flowers in April.
Photo © Mary Free

Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina Jessamine) in April.
Photo © Mary Free

Gelsemium sempervirens in landscape in May.
Photo © Elaine L. Mills

Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina Jessamine) fruit and leaves in November.
Photo © Mary Free

Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina Jessamine) ripe capsules and seeds in February.
Photo © Mary Free

The fragrant yellow bells of Carolina Jessamine are a sure sign of spring. A profusion of flowers appear for several months, and the glossy, oval leaves remain attractive all year. This native is at home from Guatemala north to the southeastern United States. It is South Carolina’s state flower. Learn more . . .