Also known as the evening trumpetflower, poor man’s rope, or yellow jessamine, the Carolina jessamine is from the pinkroot family of plants. It is native to the United States. Botanically, it is known as Gelsemium sempervirens or Bignonia sempervirens.
Carolina Jessamine Description
This perennial vine grows 10 to 20 feet long with dark green leaves that turn yellow and purple in the fall. They are also glossy, waxy, evergreen leaves. Flowers are yellow, fragrant, and shaped like trumpets. Capsules come as the fruits, roughly one and a half inches long. Bloom season is December to May.
Growing Guide
Grow in full sun or partial shade, with the best blooms happening in full sun. Soil should be moist and acidic to nearly neutral in pH, as well as well drained. It is cold and heat tolerant. Propagate by seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings, and hardwood cuttings. Seeds do not need pretreatment.
Distribution
The Carolina jessamine is found in the states of Albama, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, Texas, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. It is seen in thickets, woods, and in fence rows.
Warnings
This is a poisonous plant and can be lethal when livestock consume it. Leaves, roots, and the flowers are all poisonous, so keep away from possible ingestion.
Uses
Makes a good trail vine for columns and arbors, as well as a carpet making ground cover. It will attract spicebush swallowtail butterflies to the landscape, so it is a great addition to a butterfly garden. In addition, hummingbirds will flock to it making it a good choice for those looking to increase the number of hummingbirds around the landscape.
Source: NPIN