Common jasmine

What does Common jasmine look like?

Common jasmine grows as a fast, twining climber with slender stems and leaves made up of 5 to 9 pointed leaflets. In summer, it produces clusters of pure white, star-like flowers that are highly fragrant, especially in the evening. The plant can cover walls or trellises and is often grown for its scent and attractive appearance.

Where does Common jasmine come from?

This jasmine comes from regions in Central and South Asia, including Tibet and the foothills stretching through Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Tajikistan, and western China. It has been grown for so long that its exact origin is uncertain. Jasmine was known in China by the third century CE and later spread to Europe, likely through Sicily. Over time, it became naturalized in many countries and is now found in gardens across temperate regions.

When and how Common jasmine blooms

Jasmine blooms in summer, with flowers opening in the evening when their scent is strongest. It grows best in mild climates and is often planted near walls or fences for support. Flowers are picked at night for essential oil extraction, as this is when their fragrance peaks. Gardeners also grow it for its decorative foliage and white blossoms.

How Common jasmine is used

The plant is popular in gardens for its scent and climbing habit. Its flowers are harvested for essential oil, which is used in perfumes and aromatherapy. Jasmine is also recognized as the national flower of Pakistan. In some places, the flowers are used to make scented water or as decoration in homes and gardens.

Kinds of Common jasmine

Many garden varieties exist, including some with leaves edged in cream or white, such as 'Argenteovariegatum', which has received awards for its ornamental value. Double-flowered forms were especially prized in earlier centuries. Some cultivars are chosen for their unique foliage as well as their flowers.

What Common jasmine means

Jasmine holds cultural importance as the national flower of Pakistan. It has appeared in literature, such as in Boccaccio's Decameron, and has been valued in gardens since ancient times. Its scent is a key ingredient in perfumery. The plant is considered safe as a food ingredient, though allergic reactions are possible.

Traditions that use it

Questions people ask about Common jasmine

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• Jasminum officinale 'Argenteovariegatum' (v)Royal Horticultural Society, 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

• Jasminum officinale on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data