Jessamine marks the advent of spring by its bloom. This state flower of South Carolina is known by a host of other names, a few of which are ‘Carolina jessamine’, ‘poor man's rope’, or ‘yellow jasmine’ or ‘The Pride of Augusta’, ‘Evening Trumpetflower’ and ‘Gelber Jasmin’. The flower is predominantly found all along the coastal plains and the areas from Virginia to South Florida and in west from the areas of Texas to Arkansas.

This woody member of the ‘Gelsemiaceae’ family is a climber. The vine bears dazzling yellow flowers which appear in clusters and have a distinct fragrance. The plant flowers from December to March and attracts butterflies which help in pollination. The oval fruit is capsular in shape which ripens between October and June. Every part of the plant is poisonous and can be fatal if eaten.

An essential oil is extracted from the plant which is used to make perfumes. The yellow jessamine finds its use to treat eye diseases. It is also used for making fragrant hair oil.