Yellow jessamine is the official state flower of South Carolina — a fragrant vine that drapes the early-spring landscape in golden, trumpet-shaped blooms.

• Official flower: Yellow jessamine
• Scientific name: Gelsemium sempervirens
• Year adopted: 1924
• Native range: the southeastern U.S.

About the yellow jessamine

South Carolina adopted yellow jessamine in 1924, praising it as a flower “native of every nook and corner” of the state and a herald of spring. Its sweetly scented yellow trumpets climb over fences and into trees. All parts of the plant are poisonous if eaten.

Where it grows

Yellow jessamine is native to the southeastern United States and grows throughout South Carolina’s woodlands and roadsides, blooming in late winter and early spring.

South Carolina state flower FAQs

What is the state flower of South Carolina?

South Carolina’s state flower is the yellow jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens), which it adopted in 1924.

When did South Carolina adopt its state flower?

South Carolina designated the yellow jessamine as its official state flower in 1924.

Is yellow jessamine poisonous?

Yes. All parts of yellow jessamine are toxic if ingested, so the plant should be admired but not eaten.

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