Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina or Yellow Jessamine)

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic

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.

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

Print Version (Legal Size): Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina or Yellow Jessamine)

Gelsemium sempervirens, Carolina Jessamine, Vine 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 Soil Requirements: Humus-rich, well-drained Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Water Requirements: Moist Best flower production in sun; prune after flowering Use as a climber on arbors, fences, walls, and near entries or patios; use as a rambler in containers or as ground cover for slopes and banks Hardiness: USDA Zones 7–10 Excellent Replacement for Clematis terniflora - Sweet Autumn Clematis Lonicera japonica - Japanese Honeysuckle Lygodium japonicum - Japanese Climbing Fern Jasminum dichotomum – Jasmine 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.

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