Gelsemium sempervirens

Carolina Jessamine, Carolina Jasmine, Yellow Jessamine, Evening Trumpetflower, Poor Man's Rope

Carolina Jessamine is a vigorous, evergreen, high-climbing woody vine native from Virginia to Florida, west to East Texas and down into Central America. It is a staple ornamental in the south because it has bright golden, fragrant flowers attractive to bees, butterflies and birds, including hummingbirds. Jassamine is a twining vine, 10-20′ high, or if unsupported it will cover the ground in bushy mounds. Growing on the ground it does not seem to flower (a plant physiologist’s graduate degree project!) but high in the trees along the roadsides or climbing a fence in the back yard in very early spring and sporadically thereafter, it is a delightful sight. Hardy and trouble free, it flowers profusely in the sun. However, be aware that all parts of this plant are toxic to humans, and also to European honeybees.