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Summary

Bloom Color: Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Early spring, Late summer, Late spring, Mid summer, Mid spring. Form: Prostrate, Variable height, Variable spread.

Physical Characteristics

Gelsemium sempervirens is an evergreen Climber growing to 3 m (9ft 10in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

G. nitidum.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Analgesic Antispasmodic Diaphoretic Febrifuge Homeopathy Hypnotic Mydriatic Nervine
Sedative Vasodilator

The roots are analgesic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, febrifuge, hypnotic, mydriatic, nervine, sedative and vasodilator[46, 165, 192, 222, 238]. A powerful depressant of the central nervous system, deadening pain and reducing spasms[222]. 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[4]. It is used internally in the treatment of neuralgia, migraine, sciatica, toothache, severe pain (especially in terminal illnesses or accidents) and meningitis[238]. Externally it has been used as a folk remedy for cancer[222]. The root is best harvested in the autumn and dried carefully for later use[4]. Extreme care is advised with the use of this plant, it should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[238]. Excessive doses cause respiratory depression, giddiness, double vision and death[238]. It should not be prescribed for patients with heart disease, hypotension or myasthenia gravis[238]. See also the notes above on toxicity. The fresh root is used to make a homeopathic remedy[232]. It is used in the treatment of a variety of complaints, including fevers, flu and headaches[232].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Arbor, Container, Woodland garden. Succeeds in most soils[182]. Requires a warm sheltered position in full sun or light shade in a well-drained moisture retentive moderately fertile soil[200]. Rich soils discourage flowering by encouraging excessive growth[200]. 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[166, 182]. Plants can tolerate temperatures down to about -10°c if the wood has been thoroughly ripened[200]. A very ornamental plant, the flowers are sweetly fragrant[222] emitting a honey-like aroma[245]. This species is the state flower of South Carolina[238]. A climbing plant, supporting itself by twining around other plants and often ascending to the tops of lofty trees in its native habitat[4]. Special Features:Attracts birds, North American native, All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Wetlands plant, Extended bloom season in Zones 9A and above, Fragrant flowers, Attractive flowers or blooms.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a warm greenhouse[200]. 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[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Texas), Mexico (San Luis Potosí, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tamaulipas, Chiapas, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Michoacán de Ocampo, Nayarit, Oaxaca, Puebla, Querétaro, Tabasco, Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave) SOUTHERN AMERICA: Guatemala, Honduras

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Gelsemium sempervirens - (L.)J.St.Hil.