Gelsemium sempervirens
(Yellow Jessamine, Carolina Jessamine)
(Yellow Jessamine, Carolina Jessamine)
$
9.00
First, let's get one thing straight: This is not a Jasmine, although it is mistakenly referred to as "Carolina Jasmine." It is a member of the Gelsemium family not the Jasminum family to which Jasmine belongs. This is an example of why knowing botanical names is a good idea. Now that that is settled, this native vine (the state flower of South Carolina) is an evergreen climber (sempervirens means always green) with thin, wiry stems and clusters of yellow, highly scented, trumpet blooms in late spring. It is a popular vine, growing to 20 feet or more, depending on its support, and is ideal for covering fences and trellises. It has been used medicinally through the ages, but it is highly poisonous. Please be aware of this if you have children because the blooms smell so delicious, just as honeysuckle does, but it cannot be eaten. It may take a while for Jessamine to bloom, so be patient and give it plenty of sunlight. Zones 7-9. Quarts. (Illustration by Ellis Rowan, from Wiki Commons, and in the public domain.)