Family: Gelsemiaceae
Author: (L.) J.St.-Hil.
Bibliography: Expos. Fam. Nat. 1: 338 (1805)
Year: 1805
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Gelsemium
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. U.S.A. to Honduras
Description
Carolina-jasmine, scientifically named Gelsemium sempervirens, is a member of the Gelsemiaceae family. This charming and vigorous plant is native to the southeastern United States, extending its range all the way to Honduras. Its presence brings a touch of elegance and beauty to various landscapes with its delicate and fragrant blossoms.
Characterized by its bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers, Carolina-jasmine typically blooms in late winter to early spring, making it one of the early harbingers of warmer weather. These vibrant flowers exude a sweet, pleasing fragrance that can permeate gardens and natural areas alike, drawing in pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which play a crucial role in the ecosystem.
Gelsemium sempervirens is also notable for its climbing habit. It often adorns trellises, fences, and arbors with its wiry, twining stems and glossy, evergreen leaves. This climbing nature not only makes it a valuable plant for creating vertical interest in garden design but also provides shelter and habitat for various small wildlife creatures.
Despite its appealing characteristics, it is essential to handle Carolina-jasmine with care. All parts of the plant contain toxic compounds that can be harmful if ingested by humans or pets. This toxicity should be a consideration when planting Carolina-jasmine in areas accessible to children or animals.
Cultivating Carolina-jasmine is relatively straightforward for gardeners. It thrives in well-drained soil, with a preference for full sun to partial shade. Once established, this hardy plant requires minimal maintenance, showcasing significant drought resistance and lending itself well to a variety of garden settings.
In summary, Carolina-jasmine (Gelsemium sempervirens) is a stunning and aromatic addition to gardens and natural landscapes across its native range from the southeastern United States to Honduras. Its bright, early blooms and climbing nature make it a favorite among gardeners, though its toxicity calls for mindful handling. This plant enhances outdoor spaces with its beauty, fragrance, and the lively activity of visiting pollinators.
Common Names
Eng: carolina-jasmine, evening trumpet-flower, evening trumpetflower, gelsemium, woodbine, yellow-jessamine
Swe: giftjasmin
En: Carolina-jasmine, Evening trumpet-flower, Evening trumpetflower, Gelsemium, Woodbine, Yellow-jessamine
Sv: Giftjasmin
Synonyms
- Gelsemium nitidum (Michx.)
- Lisianthius volubilis (Salisb.)
- Gelsemium lucidum (Poir.)
- Lisianthius sempervirens (Mill. ex Steud.)
- Jeffersonia sempervirens ((L.) Brickell)
- Gelsemium nitidum var. inodorum (Nutt.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Virginia (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Sep 10, 2022 by NathaN Del (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 10, 2022 by NathaN Del (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2022 by candy Jablonski (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 20, 2021 by Lawrence David (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 20, 2021 by Lawrence David (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Mar 24, 2022 by Claude Raux (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 22, 2021 by flores ana maria (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 14, 2022 by Karen Frasier Scott (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 12, 2021 by Gloria Signor (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 9, 2022 by Asha (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Mar 3, 2022 by en pampis (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 10, 2022 by NathaN Del (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 16, 2021 by Alizée Jung (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3169513)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60448812-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gelsemium sempervirens (L.) J.St.-Hil.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Vine, Shrub