Practical
Plants

Gelsemium sempervirens

False Jasmine

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Taxonomy and growth

Foliage
evergreen
Height
3 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

All parts of the plant usually contain toxic alkaloids[5]. Eating just one flower has reportedly been lethal to children[6][7]. 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[9].

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

The roots are analgesic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, febrifuge, hypnotic, mydriatic, nervine, sedative and vasodilator[14][1][4][7][9]. A powerful depressant of the central nervous system, deadening pain and reducing spasms[7]. 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[12]. It is used internally in the treatment of neuralgia, migraine, sciatica, toothache, severe pain (especially in terminal illnesses or accidents) and meningitis[9]. Externally it has been used as a folk remedy for cancer[7]. The root is best harvested in the autumn and dried carefully for later use[12]. Extreme care is advised with the use of this plant, it should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[9]. Excessive doses cause respiratory depression, giddiness, double vision and death[9]. It should not be prescribed for patients with heart disease, hypotension or myasthenia gravis[9]. See also the notes above on toxicity. The fresh root is used to make a homeopathic remedy[8]. It is used in the treatment of a variety of complaints, including fevers, flu and headaches[8].

Product or use
Analgesic
Product or use
Antispasmodic
Product or use
Diaphoretic
Product or use
Febrifuge
Product or use
Homeopathy
Product or use
Hypnotic
Product or use
Mydriatic
Product or use
Nervine
Product or use
Sedative
Product or use
Vasodilator

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Climber

Environment

Range
South-eastern N. America - Florida to Texas and north to Arkansas and S. Virginia.
Habitat
Along sea coasts[2] in dry to wet woods, thickets and sands[13].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 9+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a warm greenhouse[5]. 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, July/August in a frame[5].

Cultivation

Succeeds in most soils[3]. Requires a warm sheltered position in full sun or light shade in a well-drained moisture retentive moderately fertile soil[5]. Rich soils discourage flowering by encouraging excessive growth[5]. This species is not very hardy in Britain, succeeding outdoors only in the mildest areas of the country and even then usually requiring the protection of a wall[2][3]. Plants can tolerate temperatures down to about -10°c if the wood has been thoroughly ripened[5]. A very ornamental plant, the flowers are sweetly fragrant[7] emitting a honey-like aroma[10]. This species is the state flower of South Carolina[9]. A climbing plant, supporting itself by twining around other plants and often ascending to the tops of lofty trees in its native habitat[12].

References

  1. Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism.

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  2. Taylor. J. The Milder Garden. Dent 1990-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  3. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

    ↩1↩2

  4. Emboden. W. Narcotic Plants Studio Vista 1979-00-00 ISBN 0-289-70864-8

    ↩

  5. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  6. Coffey. T. The History and Folklore of North American Wild Flowers. Facts on File. 1993-00-00 ISBN 0-8160-2624-6

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  7. Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0395467225

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  8. Castro. M. The Complete Homeopathy Handbook. Macmillan. London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-333-55581-3

    ↩1↩2

  9. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7

  10. Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994-00-00 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8

    ↩

  11. Diggs, Jnr. G.M.; Lipscomb. B. L. & O'Kennon. R. J Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas Botanical Research Institute, Texas. 1999-00-00 http://artemis.austincollege.edu/acad/bio/gdiggs/NCTXpdf.htm

  12. Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9

    ↩1↩2↩3

  13. Fernald. M. L. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Co. 1950-00-00

    ↩

  14. Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00

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