CAROLINA JESSAMINE 



Gelsemium sempervirens (Linnaeus) Persoon 



Carolina jessamine, called "jasamer" by the natives of some parts 

 of the South, is one of the delights of early spring in that region. It 

 is a large vine whose woody, tangled, twining stems seek support 

 upon the smaller trees, and then spread in riotous confusion over the 

 tree tops. The clear yellow flowers are borne freely on the many leafy 

 stems at the top, their delightful odor calling the bees to the feast of 

 nectar spread for them. From the buds and seed pods an active medici- 

 nal preparation is made, but it must be used with care, as it is a nar- 

 cotic poison. 



Carolina jessamine is the State flower of South Carolina. It is found 

 from Florida to Texas and northward to eastern Virginia, and grows 

 also in Mexico. But one other species of the genus Gelsemium is 

 known, which is a native of Asia. 



The sketch was made from specimens gathered near Beaufort, 

 South Carolina. 



PLATE 2.2.0 



