Quick answer: Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) is native to 9 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Where it's native
Listed in the register as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Moist |
| Soil | Sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay soils |
| Bloom | Bloom Jan-May, Dec |
| Height | Vine up to 20 ft |
| Wildlife value | Attracts native bees, hummingbirds, and Spicebush Swallowtail butterflies, nectar toxic to honeybees |
Flowers, leaves, and roots poisonous, toxic/lethal to humans and livestock if consumed. Nectar toxic to honeybees in sufficient quantity; honey from it may be toxic to humans. Sap can cause contact dermatitis.
none noted (described as "quite adaptable and tenacious," very common in parts of the South — not formally regulated)
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.