Jasmine | Description, Major Species, & Facts (2024)

jasmine, (genus Jasminum), genus of about 200 species of fragrant-flowered shrubs and vines of the olive family (Oleaceae). The plants are native to tropical and to some temperate areas of the Old World. Several are cultivated as ornamentals.

Physical description

Jasmine | Description, Major Species, & Facts (2)

Most true jasmines have climbing branches without tendrils. The white, yellow, or rarely pink flowers are tubular with a flaring, lobed, pinwheel-like form; some double-flowered varieties have been developed. The leaves can be evergreen or deciduous and usually are composed of two or more leaflets, although some species have simple leaves. The fruit in most species is a two-lobed black berry.

Jasmine | Description, Major Species, & Facts (3)

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Major species

Jasmine | Description, Major Species, & Facts (4)

Common jasmine, or poet’s jasmine (Jasminum officinale), native to Iran, produces fragrant white flowers that are the source of attar of jasmine used in perfumery. It is widely cultivated for its shining leaves and clusters of flowers that bloom in summer. Winter jasmine (J. nudiflorum), a Chinese species with solitary yellow flowers, is used as a cover plant on hillsides. Japanese, or primrose, jasmine (J. mesnyi) is a similar plant with larger flowers that bloom during the winter. Italian jasmine (J. humile), a vinelike shrub with yellow flowers, has many cultivated varieties. The fragrant dried flowers of Arabian jasmine (J. sambac) are used to make jasmine tea.

Other “jasmines”

Many fragrant-flowered plants from other families are given the name jasmine, including the star, or Confederate, jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides), Cape jasmine (Gardenia jasminoides), Madagascar jasmine (Marsdenia floribunda), jasmine tobacco (Nicotiana alata), Carolina, or allspice, jasmine (Gelsemium sempervirens), Chilean jasmine (Mandevilla suaveolens), orange jasmine (various species of the genus Murraya), night or day jasmine (various species of Cestrum), and the crepe jasmine (Tabernaemontana divaricata).

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.

Jasmine | Description, Major Species, & Facts (2024)

FAQs

What are some facts about jasmine? ›

Jasmine Facts

Jasmine is a type of flowering plant that actually belongs to the olive family. Surprised, right? It develops bell-shaped blooms with white, waxy petals. Most species originate from South and Southeast Asia, but there are some that are native to Africa as well.

How many species of jasmine are there? ›

jasmine, (genus Jasminum), genus of about 200 species of fragrant-flowered shrubs and vines of the olive family (Oleaceae).

What kind of animal is jasmine? ›

Jasmine (botanical name: Jasminum; /ˈjæsmɪnəm/ YAS-mih-nəm) is a genus of shrubs and vines in the olive family of Oleaceae. It contains around 200 species native to tropical and warm temperate regions of Eurasia, Africa, and Oceania. Jasmines are widely cultivated for the characteristic fragrance of their flowers.

What is jasmine best known for? ›

The main reason jasmine is so famous is its strong fragrance. People adore the flower for its strong, sweet smell. Countless cultures worldwide include it in aromatic products like candles, perfumes, soaps, and lotions. You can even infuse your own products at home with the lovely scent of the white bloom.

How long does jasmine live? ›

Lifespan depends somewhat on species and whether the plant is grown in its USDA hardiness zone. On average many jasmine plants live 5 to 10 years but can last much longer with good care.

How big can jasmine grow? ›

As a shrub, jasmine can get lanky and semi-vining, so it needs frequent pruning. Common jasmine grows to a height of 10 to 15 feet as a lanky, semi-vining shrub, growing 12 to 24 inches a year. Winter jasmine shrubs grow to 4 feet high and 7 feet wide.

What are the 4 species of jasmine? ›

The common Jasmine is considered the most fragrant Jasmine. Angel wing Jasmine, Wild Jasmine, Arabian Jasmine, and Lemon-scented Jasmine are all known for their scent.

Is pink jasmine real jasmine? ›

Pink Jasmine. Native to China – This is the Jasmine that has both delighted and disappointed so many people. It's powerfully fragrant pink flowers fill nurseries and Fred Meyers alike in early spring, luring unwitting garden dreamers to make the purchase and pop it in the ground.

How fast does jasmine grow? ›

How quickly does star jasmine grow? After it's planted in spring, it will grow quickly, usually reaching 3 to 6 feet the first year. If trained on a structure or trellis for support, it will continue to add several feet a year until it reaches a maximum of 25 to 30 feet.

What is Jasmine's favorite animal? ›

Jasmine is a dreamer who loves her pet tiger, Rajah. She's free-spirited, confident, and kind. When she meets Aladdin, she discovers the wonders she's often imagined outside the palace walls.

Did jasmine have a tiger? ›

Rajah is present in the live-action adaptation. Like his animated counterpart, he is Jasmine's beloved pet tiger. Rajah came to Agrabah from the Indian-inspired kingdom of Shirabad, from where Jasmine's late mother hailed.

Why is jasmine gift of God? ›

The name "jasmine" comes from the Persian word "yasmin," which means "gift from God." The flower is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, but it has since been cultivated in other parts of the world.

Is jasmine good or bad for you? ›

All parts of the Jasmine plant such as leaves, flowers, roots are beneficial and are widely used in Ayurveda for treating various ailments. Jasmine helps to lower blood cholesterol levels and maintain healthy heart functions due to the presence of antioxidants.

Why is jasmine called jasmine? ›

The name Jasmine is of Persian origin, meaning ”gift from God." It is derived from the Persian word ”yasmin,” referring to the plant, meaning "fragrant flower." Origin: Jasmine is a Persian name meaning "gift from God" or "fragrant flower."

Is jasmine a lucky plant? ›

Jasmine is one of the best plants to attract prosperity, according to Feng Shui. Along with its power to attract money according to Feng Shui, jasmine is a very beautiful addition for your home or your garden. Your house will always smell wonderful and it will be full of good energy.

Do jasmine need sun? ›

Amount of sunlight – Jasmine needs full sun or part shade – usually about 6 hours or more of direct sunlight each day for full sun, and 2 – 4 hours per day for partial shade. The exact type of jasmine you plant, in addition to climate and other conditions, will determine how much sun a plant needs.

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