What is the state flower of South Carolina?

The state flower of South Carolina is yellow jessamine, scientifically known as Gelsemium sempervirens. This evergreen, twining vine produces clusters of fragrant, trumpet-shaped yellow flowers and is native to the southeastern and south-central United States. It is also called Carolina jessamine, yellow jasmine, or evening trumpetflower.

The plant’s common names can cause confusion. Despite being called Carolina jasmine or yellow jasmine, it is not a true jasmine and does not belong to the genus Jasminum. Yellow jessamine instead belongs to the family Gelsemiaceae. Its glossy evergreen leaves and early-season flowers make it a familiar garden and woodland vine in the Southeast.

Yellow jessamine is beautiful but poisonous. All parts contain toxic alkaloids, including gelsemine and gelseminine. The nectar should never be tasted, and the plant should not be confused with edible honeysuckle. In South Carolina symbolism, its return each spring is associated with constancy, loyalty, and patriotism in service to the state.