Carolina Jasmine Gelsemium sempervirens
ABOUT
The Gelsemium sempervirens, widely known as Carolina jasmine, is an attractive evergreen vine that boasts striking yellow flowers. This plant is characterized by its glossy, lance-shaped leaves that grow opposite each other along slender, trailing stems. The leaves exhibit a deep green hue which provides a lovely backdrop to its blooms. The flowers of Carolina jasmine are its most remarkable feature, with a vivid yellow color and a trumpet shape that draws in both the eyes and various pollinators. These blossoms, which appear in clusters, have a delicate and alluring fragrance that can be discerned especially in the early evening or at night when they start to release their scent. Carolina jasmine tends to bloom in late winter to early spring, adding a burst of color to the landscape when most other plants are still dormant. The allure of this plant lies in its combination of visual charm and aromatic appeal, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add long-lasting beauty to trellises, fences, and arbors.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Gelsemiaceae.
Synonyms
Carolina Jessamine, Yellow Jessamine, Evening Trumpetflower, Woodbine.
Common names
Bignonia sempervirens, Gelseminum sempervirens, Lisianthus sempervirens, Lisianthius volubilis.
ToxicityTo humans
The Carolina jessamine contains toxic compounds, particularly alkaloids such as gelsemine, that can pose serious risks when ingested. Symptoms of poisoning may include headache, dizziness, blurred vision, difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, seizures, breathing problems, and potentially can lead to central nervous system depression and cardiac arrest. In severe cases, ingestion of Carolina jessamine could be fatal.
To pets
Carolina jessamine is also toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. If they ingest any part of the plant, they could exhibit symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, depression, weakness, breathing difficulties, and potential paralysis. In severe cases, it could lead to seizures or even death. Pet owners should prevent animals from accessing and ingesting this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
10-20 feet (3-6 meters)
Spread
3-6 feet (1-2 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
7-9
Native area
Southeastern United States
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Gelsemium sempervirens, also known as Carolina jessamine, is a popular ornamental vine due to its attractive yellow funnel-shaped flowers which can enhance the aesthetic of gardens and landscapes.
- Wildlife Habitat: The flowers provide nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, supporting biodiversity and pollinator populations.
- Erosion Control: As a climbing vine, Carolina jessamine can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Privacy Screening: When grown on fences or trellises, Carolina jessamine creates a dense screen that can provide privacy for outdoor spaces.
- Shade Provider: When allowed to grow over pergolas or arbors, the vine can provide natural shade to seating areas or reduce sunlight exposure on buildings, potentially lowering cooling costs.
- Low Maintenance: Carolina jessamine is known for being relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established, which can save time and resources for gardeners.
- Seasonal Interest: Its early spring blossoms bring color and life to gardens at a time when many plants are still dormant, bridging the gap between winter and spring.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is considered to be deer-resistant, meaning it is less likely to be damaged or eaten by deer compared to other garden plants.
Medical Properties- Anxiolytic effects: Gelsemium sempervirens is sometimes used in homeopathic medicine for its potential to reduce anxiety.
- Analgesic properties: Historically, it has been considered for its ability to alleviate certain types of pain.
- Antispasmodic uses: The plant has been traditionally used to help relieve muscle spasms or cramps.
- Sedative effects: Due to its potential calming properties, it has been used to induce relaxation or sedation.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Traditional Dye: The roots of Carolina Jessamine were traditionally used as a source of reddish and yellow dyes for textiles by Native American tribes.
- Symbolism in Literature: Carolina Jessamine is often utilized as a symbol of the southern United States in poetry and literature, representing both beauty and caution due to its toxic nature.
- Ornamental Landscaping: Due to its attractive yellow flowers and evergreen foliage, Carolina Jessamine is widely used as an ornamental vine in gardens and landscaping projects.
- Privacy Screens: Gardeners sometimes plant Carolina Jessamine to create natural, living privacy screens along fences or walls.
- Architectural Accents: Trained on arbors or trellises, Carolina Jessamine vines provide architectural interest and a splash of color in outdoor structures.
- Cover for Wildlife: The dense foliage offers shelter and nesting sites for birds and other small wildlife within landscaped environments.
- Erosion Control: Because it forms thick mats of growth, Carolina Jessamine can be planted to help control erosion on slopes and banks.
- Perfumery: Occasionally, the scent of Carolina Jessamine flowers may be used in creating perfumes or scented products, although this is not a common industrial use.
- Wedding Decor: Its twining vines and bright, cheerful flowers make Carolina Jessamine a popular choice for natural wedding decorations, especially in the southern U.S.
- Cultural Festivals: Sometimes featured at spring festivals or plant shows, especially in the South, where its flowering aligns with the event timing.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCarolina Jessamine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityCarolina Jessamine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Peace: Gelsemium sempervirens, commonly known as Carolina Jessamine, is often associated with tranquility due to its calming yellow flowers, which have been believed to ease the mind and foster a sense of peace.
- Innocence: The delicate appearance of the Carolina Jessamine's blooms symbolizes innocence and purity.
- Friendship: With its tendency to climb and support itself among other plants, Carolina Jessamine can symbolize the interconnectedness and support found in friendships.
WaterCarolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) should be watered regularly, especially during its first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, the plant is quite drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering. Provide about one half-gallon of water per plant every week under normal conditions, but increase the amount to a full gallon during periods of extreme heat or drought. It's important to avoid overwatering to prevent root rot, so ensure the soil is well-draining and allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions.
LightCarolina Jessamine thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day; however, it can tolerate dappled shade, especially in the hottest parts of its growing range. A spot that offers morning sunlight with some afternoon protection is ideal to protect the plant from the harshest rays.
TemperatureCarolina Jessamine is hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit but grows best in warmer climates. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme cold or prolonged freezes can damage the plant, so provide protection if temperatures are expected to dip below the minimum threshold.
PruningPrune Carolina Jessamine in late spring or early summer, after it has finished blooming, to shape the plant and control its growth. Thinning out congested branches increases air circulation and keeps the plant healthy. Pruning can range from a light trim to a hard cutback, depending on how large you want the plant to be. Annual pruning also encourages more prolific blooming the following season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCarolina Jessamine prefers well-draining, acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A soil mix of loam, sand, and peat moss is ideal to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingCarolina Jessamine should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot, best in spring or early summer.
Humidity & MistingCarolina Jessamine thrives at moderate humidity levels, ideally between 40-50%. Avoid excessively dry air and protect from high humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Carolina Jessamine in bright, indirect light inside.
Outdoor
Grow Carolina Jessamine in partial shade outdoors.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleGelsemium sempervirens, commonly known as Carolina Jessamine, begins its life as a seed, which after a period of dormancy, germinates in favorable conditions of warmth and moisture. The seedling emerges and establishes itself with a root system and shoots, developing into a young plant. As it matures, the Carolina Jessamine grows into a twining vine, climbing over structures or other vegetation with its evergreen leaves. It reaches reproductive maturity within a few years, producing fragrant yellow flowers in late winter to spring that are pollinated by insects, particularly bees. Following pollination, the flowers develop into elongated capsules containing numerous winged seeds. These seeds are then dispersed by the wind, and when they land in a suitable environment, the cycle begins anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens), a popular ornamental vine known for its fragrant yellow flowers, is best propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer. To do this, select a healthy stem that's not too woody nor too green, roughly 4 to 6 inches long with several leaves. The cut end of the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Then, plant the cutting in a well-drained potting mix, making sure that at least two sets of leaves are above the soil surface. The pot should be placed in a warm, bright area but not in direct sunlight, and the soil should be kept moist but not overly wet. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the cutting can be transferred to a larger pot or directly into the garden.