Jasmine

What does Jasmine look like?

Jasmine plants can be upright, spreading, or climbing, with leaves that may be simple or divided into leaflets. Their flowers are small, about 2.5 cm across, and usually appear in clusters or sometimes alone at the tips of branches. Most blooms are white or yellow, though a few may have a reddish tint. Each flower has four to nine petals and gives off a rich, sweet scent that is especially noticeable in the evening.

Where does Jasmine come from?

Jasmine plants are found growing wild in the warmer parts of Asia, Africa, and Oceania, with the greatest variety in South and Southeast Asia. Some species have spread to other regions, such as the Mediterranean, where they have become naturalized. The name 'jasmine' comes from Persian and Arabic roots, entering European languages in the 16th century. Today, jasmine is grown widely for its flowers and scent.

When and how Jasmine blooms

Jasmine flowers appear in warm seasons, depending on the species and climate. They prefer mild, frost-free conditions and are often grown in gardens or as potted plants. Many types are started from cuttings or seeds. The flowers are picked early in the day for use in garlands, perfumes, or decoration, as their scent is strongest when fresh.

How Jasmine is used

People use jasmine flowers in many ways: woven into garlands for weddings and festivals, offered in religious ceremonies, or simply enjoyed in gardens and homes. The perfume industry relies on jasmine oil, much of which comes from Egypt. In places like Indonesia and the Philippines, jasmine is strung into garlands for special occasions and as a sign of respect.

Kinds of Jasmine

There are about 200 species in the Jasminum group, with some well-known kinds like Jasminum sambac, Jasminum grandiflorum, and Jasminum officinale. Some species, such as Jasminum polyanthum, are grown mainly for their showy flowers, while others, like Jasminum sambac, are valued for their intense fragrance and use in ceremonies.

What Jasmine means

Jasmine holds special meaning in many cultures. It is the national flower of Pakistan, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Tunisia. In Syria, Damascus is called the City of Jasmine. The flower is a symbol of purity, love, and respect, and is linked to important events and revolutions, such as Tunisia's Jasmine Revolution. Jasmine is also a popular girl's name in several languages.

Where Jasmine is used and seen

GarlandA string or braid of flowers, leaves, or other materials for decoration or ceremonyOnamKerala’s ten-day harvest festival with flower carpets, feasts and boat racesAttarTraditional natural perfume oil distilled from flowers, herbs, and spicesEnfleurageA traditional French method for capturing flower fragrance in fatAbsoluteA concentrated aromatic plant extract used in perfumeryKannaujHistoric city in Uttar Pradesh known for traditional attar and flower perfumesAgdal GardensHistoric walled orchards and gardens south of Marrakech's old cityPhuang malaiThai floral garlands made for offerings, gifts, and ceremonies

Where to see Jasmine

🇪🇸 Granada · Apr to OctThe Generalife gardens above the AlhambraThe summer estate of Granada's Nasrid rulers, where water channels run between roses, myrtle, jasmine and orange trees. 🇪🇸 Córdoba · MayThe patios of Córdoba in MayFor two weeks each May, families in Córdoba's old quarters open their flower-filled courtyards to anyone who walks in.

Questions people ask about Jasmine

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• Index Nominum Genericorum (ING), Botany, Smithsonian InstitutionSmithsonian, Article
• USDA Plants DatabaseUS Department of Agriculture, Article
• Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
• Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
• Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database

• Jasmine on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data