Common Name: False Jasmine

General Information

Gelsemium sempervirens is an evergreen, climbing shrub producing stems 3 metres or more long.
The plant is harvested from the wild for medicinal use.

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant usually contain toxic alkaloids[]. Eating just one flower has reportedly been lethal to children[, ]. The plant can also cause skin allergies in some people and it is possible that the plant toxins can be absorbed through the skin, especially if there are cuts[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Central America - Belize north to S.E. N. America from Florida and Texas to Arkansas and S. Virginia

Habitat

Along sea coasts[] in dry to wet woods, thickets and sands[]. In damp thickets or forest; at elevations from 1,200 - 2,600 metres in Guatemala[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of warm temperate areas to higher elevations in the tropics. Plants can tolerate temperatures down to about -10°c if the wood has been thoroughly ripened[].
Succeeds in most soils[]. Requires a warm sheltered position in full sun or light shade in a well-drained moisture retentive moderately fertile soil[]. Rich soils discourage flowering by encouraging excessive growth[].
A very ornamental plant, the flowers are sweetly fragrant[] emitting a honey-like aroma[]. This species is the state flower of South Carolina[].
A climbing plant, supporting itself by twining around other plants and often ascending to the tops of lofty trees in its native habitat[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The roots are analgesic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, febrifuge, hypnotic, mydriatic, nervine, sedative and vasodilator[, , , , ]. A powerful depressant of the central nervous system, deadening pain and reducing spasms[]. It is said to suspend and hold in check muscular irritability and nervous excitement with more force and power than any known remedy. Whilst it relaxes the muscles, it also relieves all sense of pain[].
It is used internally in the treatment of neuralgia, migraine, sciatica, toothache, severe pain (especially in terminal illnesses or accidents) and meningitis[].
Externally it has been used as a folk remedy for cancer[].
The root is best harvested in the autumn and dried carefully for later use[].
Extreme care is advised with the use of this plant, it should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[]. Excessive doses cause respiratory depression, giddiness, double vision and death[]. It should not be prescribed for patients with heart disease, hypotension or myasthenia gravis[]. See also the notes above on toxicity.

The fresh root is used to make a homeopathic remedy[]. It is used in the treatment of a variety of complaints, including fevers, flu and headaches[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a warm greenhouse[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow on in the greenhouse until plants are at least two years old. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer and give them some protection from winter cold for at least their next winter.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[].