Quick answer: Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) is native to 10 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: KENPEI, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory 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 →Quick answers about Carolina jessamine
Where is Carolina jessamine native?
Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) is native to 10 states across the South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Carolina jessamine bloom?
Carolina jessamine blooms Jan-May, Dec. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Carolina jessamine need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade. Water: Medium water, Moist. Soil: Sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay soils. Mature height: Vine up to 20 ft.
Is Carolina jessamine good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts native bees, hummingbirds, and Spicebush Swallowtail butterflies, nectar toxic to honeybees.
Is Carolina jessamine toxic?
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.
Where can I buy real Carolina jessamine seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Gelsemium sempervirens on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Carolina jessamine.
- Yaupon holly Ilex vomitoria
- Southern crabapple Malus angustifolia
- Southern live oak Quercus virginiana
- Titi cyrilla Cyrilla racemiflora
- Bald cypress Taxodium distichum
- Coral honeysuckle Lonicera sempervirens
Also listed under
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