Gelsemium sempervirens False jasmine (Loganiaceae) Evergreen climber

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Gelsemium sempervirens
False jasmine
Evergreen climber
(1 Page of 5)

The Gelsemium sempervirens plant species is found in Southeastern N. America - Florida to Texas and north to Arkansas and S. Virginia. It is a member of the Loganiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as False jasmine. Some home gardeners know the variety as G. nitidum.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Gelsemium sempervirens
Common Name:  False jasmine
Family:  Loganiaceae
Author:  (L.)St.Hil.

Known Hazards:  All parts of the plant usually contain toxic alkaloids[200]. Eating just one flower has reportedly been lethal to children[207, 222]. The plant can also cause skin allergies in some people and it is possible that the plant toxins can be absorbed through the skin, especially if there are cuts[238].

Mature Height:  3   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Along sea coasts[166] in dry to wet woods, thickets and sands[43].

Cultivation Notes: Succeeds in most soils[182]. Requires a warm sheltered position in full sun or light shade in a well-drained moisture retentive moderately fertile soil[200]. Rich soils discourage flowering by encouraging excessive growth[200]. This species is not very hardy in Britain, succeeding outdoors only in the mildest areas of the country and even then usually requiring the protection of a wall[166, 182]. Plants can tolerate temperatures down to about -10°c if the wood has been thoroughly ripened[200]. A very ornamental plant, the flowers are sweetly fragrant[222] emitting a honey-like aroma[245]. This species is the state flower of South Carolina[238]. A climbing plant, supporting itself by twining around other plants and often ascending to the tops of lofty trees in its native habitat[4].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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