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].

Medicinal Information: The roots are analgesic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, febrifuge, hypnotic, mydriatic, nervine, sedative and vasodilator[46, 165, 192, 222, 238]. A powerful depressant of the central nervous system, deadening pain and reducing spasms[222]. It is said to suspend and hold in check muscular irritability and nervous excitement with more force and power than any known remedy. Whilst it relaxes the muscles, it also relieves all sense of pain[4]. It is used internally in the treatment of neuralgia, migraine, sciatica, toothache, severe pain (especially in terminal illnesses or accidents) and meningitis[238]. Externally it has been used as a folk remedy for cancer[222]. The root is best harvested in the autumn and dried carefully for later use[4]. Extreme care is advised with the use of this plant, it should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[238]. Excessive doses cause respiratory depression, giddiness, double vision and death[238]. It should not be prescribed for patients with heart disease, hypotension or myasthenia gravis[238]. See also the notes above on toxicity. The fresh root is used to make a homeopathic remedy[232]. It is used in the treatment of a variety of complaints, including fevers, flu and headaches[232].

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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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