Best For Study

Carolina Jessamine

Gelsemium sempervirens

A fast growing, evergreen, twining vine native to the southeast U.S. ( Arkansas to Virginia and south ) that can reach up to 40 x 20 feet in size. It is great for fences and patio trellises.
The lance-shaped leaves, up to 4 inches in length, are glossy dark green and .
The fragrant, bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers, up to 1.5 inches in length, are borne during early to mid spring. The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
ALL PARTS OF PLANT ARE POISONOUS TO EAT!
It prefers full sun ( but tolerates partial shade ) on moist, fertile, slightly acidic, well drained soil. It is moderately drought tolerant. It can be cut back hard if it gets overgrown or top heavy. Carolina Jasmine is deer and rabbit resistant.
Hardy north to zone 7 ( 6 if sheltered ) and can be propagated by semi-ripe cuttings or seed. Moderately salt tolerant.

* photo taken on April 18 2010 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Mar 7 2013 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

Margarita
Much hardier with slightly larger, clear yellow flowers borne during spring, often repeating during autumn.
Fully hardy north to zone 6 and survives as low as -25 F though with at least some winter dieback.

* photo taken on Oct 17 2011 in Howard Co, MD


Gelsemium rankinii ( Swamp Jessamine )
A fast growing, evergreen vine, reaching 20 + feet, that is similar to Carolina Jessamine, except that it flowers during autumn, repeating in mid spring. The abundant flowers are not fragrant but still attract hummingbirds.
The leaves are narrow.
This native of swamps in the southeastern U.S. is hardy zones 7 to 9.
It is tolerant of wet soil and flooding.