Jessamine, Poet's jasmine

Jasminum officinale

Physical Characteristics

Jasminum officinale is a deciduous Climber growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from June to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

W. Asia to E. Asia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Edible Uses: Condiment Tea Flowers - fragrant. Eaten or used to flavour or scent tea[183]. The dried flowers are a tea substitute[177]. An essential oil from the flowers is used as a condiment in various foods, especially Maraschino cherries but also baked goods, ice cream, sweets, chewing gum etc[183, 238]. It imparts a bitter-sweet floral tone[183].

Medicinal Uses

Antiseptic Antispasmodic Aphrodisiac Aromatherapy Galactogogue Parasiticide Tonic The leaf juice is applied to corns and ear discharges[218, 240]. The leaves contain salicylic acid (found also in the bark of Salix species and used as an analgesic, febrifuge etc)[218, 240]. The root is used in the treatment of ringworm[240]. The flowers are aphrodisiac, antiseptic, antispasmodic, galactogogue and tonic[178, 218, 238]. They are mainly used in aromatherapy (see below). The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Aphrodisiac'[210]. It is used in the treatment of depression, nervous tension, impotence, frigidity, menstrual disorders and weak digestion[238].

Known Hazards

None known