Carolina Jessamine | Fragrant Yellow Flowering Evergreen Vine

Carolina Jessamine

5 Gallon

$59.00

$59.00 $0.00

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Carolina Jessamine

Gelsemium sempervirens, Yellow Jessamine

A spectacular native evergreen vine with fragrant golden spring blooms and year-round interest.

$59.00

$59.00 $0.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Carolina Jessamine is a spectacular native vine that heralds the arrival of spring with an unforgettable burst of sunshine-yellow color. In late winter to early spring, it becomes absolutely smothered in masses of fragrant, bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers that glow against its backdrop of glossy, evergreen foliage. A vigorous but well-behaved twiner, it is perfect for draping over fences, scrambling up trellises, or allowing to cascade from containers. While it is a beloved landscape plant and the state flower of South Carolina, it is crucial to remember that all parts of this plant are highly toxic if ingested.

Spectacular Spring Yellow Display: Produces an overwhelming profusion of fragrant, golden-yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers in late winter and early spring, creating a stunning seasonal show.
Native Evergreen Vine: Features glossy, lance-shaped leaves that remain green year-round, providing excellent coverage and structure even when not in bloom.
Vigorous yet Manageable Climber: A fast-growing native vine that climbs by twining, readily covering arbors, fences, and trellises without becoming invasive.
Important Toxicity Warning: All parts of the plant are highly poisonous if ingested, containing toxic alkaloids. It should not be planted where livestock graze or in areas easily accessed by curious children or pets.
Adaptable & Low-Maintenance: Thrives in full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of a variety of soils, heat, and humidity once established. It is also deer-resistant.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Lance-shaped, leathery leaves with pinnate veins on green young stems that mature to reddish-brown. Produces trumpet-shaped, mildly fragrant yellow flowers.
Mature Height: 15-20 ft (climbing)
Mature Width: 15-20 ft
Growth Rate: Fast
Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Key Advantages:Early spring blooms,Drought tolerant once established,Evergreen foliage,Attracts hummingbirds
Landscape Uses:Arbors and trellises,Fence coverings,Ground cover (unpruned),Naturalistic plantings
Special Care:Prune after flowering,All plant parts are toxic if ingested,Provide strong support for climbing,Tolerates poor soils
Seasonal Interest:Flowers: Late winter to early spring,Foliage: Year-round

Q: Is it poisonous?
A: Yes, all parts of the Carolina Jessamine plant are highly toxic if ingested by humans, pets, or livestock. The nectar and pollen are also toxic to honeybees if collected in large quantities, though pollinators visiting the flowers briefly are not harmed. Plant it away from areas frequented by curious children or grazing animals.

Q: When and how should I prune it?
A: Prune immediately after flowering in spring. This allows you to shape the vine, control its size, and remove any dead wood without cutting off next year's flower buds, which form on old wood. It can be pruned quite hard if necessary.