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Phlox Subulata (moss pink) in landscape. Photo © Elaine Mills
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Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina or Yellow Jessamine)

Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina Jessamine) Photo by Elaine L. Mills, 2018-04-22, Glencarlyn Library Community Garden.
Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina Jessamine) Photo by Elaine L. Mills, 2018-04-22, Glencarlyn Library Community Garden.
Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina Jessamine) close-up. Photo © Mary Free
Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina Jessamine)
Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina Jessamine) on commercial property in May
Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina Jessamine) fruit in November
Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina Jessamine) persistent fruit capsules and seeds in February

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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. Vine Vine on Arbor, Flowers, Fall and Winter Fruit Height: 10–20 feet Spread: 3–6 feet Bloom Color: Yellow Characteristics Climbing, twining, evergreen vine Pointed glossy leaves on wiry, reddish stems Fragrant, long-lasting, trumpet-shaped yellow flowers in early spring Thin, flattened fruit capsules Bronzy to purple patina on leaves in winter Attributes Tolerates clay soil, some drought, and wind; no serious pests or diseases; deer seldom severely damage Bloom can start as early as December, with later brief rebloom in early fall All parts are highly toxic if eaten; sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals Attracts bees—nectar, if gathered in large quantities, may be toxic to honey bees (University of Florida)— butterflies, and hummers; provides cover for birds Growing and Maintenance Tips Excellent Replacement for Soil Requirements: Humus-rich, well-drained Clematis terniflora - Sweet Autumn Clematis Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Lonicera japonica - Japanese Honeysuckle Water Requirements: Moist Lygodium japonicum - Japanese Climbing Fern Best flower production in sun; prune after flowering Jasminum dichotomum - Jasmine Use as a climber on arbors, fences, walls, and near entries or patios; use as a rambler in con- tainers or as ground cover for slopes and banks Jasminum fluminense - Jasmine *In the Mid-Atlantic Region, it is found only in VA where it is common in the southern and central Coastal Plain and rare in the adjacent outer Piedmont. It is not native to NoVA. Hardiness: USDA Zones 7–10 developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Mary Free, Glencarlyn Garden

Tried and True Native Plant Selections 
for the Mid-Atlantic

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Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina or Yellow Jessamine)

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.

*In the Mid-Atlantic Region, it is found only in VA where it is common in the southern and central Coastal Plain and rare in the adjacent outer Piedmont. It is not native to NoVA.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: 
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets

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