Jasmine (plant)
Jasmine is a genus of flowering shrubs and vines in the olive family, Oleaceae, known for their fragrant flowers.
Jasmine is a genus of about 200 species of fragrant shrubs and vines in the olive family, Oleaceae. It is widely grown for ornamental and aromatic uses.
What it is
True jasmines belong to the genus *Jasminum*. They are mostly climbing vines or shrubs with small, star-shaped flowers that are usually white or pale pink; some species, like winter jasmine, have yellow flowers. The plants are native to tropical and warm temperate regions of the Old World, including parts of Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
Why it matters
Jasmine is valued for its strong, pleasant fragrance and is cultivated for perfume, soaps, and tea scenting. It is also a popular ornamental plant, grown on trellises, fences, and in gardens. In Canada, jasmine is commonly grown in conservatories, as a houseplant, or in gardens with winter protection.
Key details
The genus *Jasminum* includes about 200 species. The flowers are typically white or pale pink, but some species have yellow blooms. Not all plants called jasmine are true jasmines—only those in the genus *Jasminum* are the real thing. Jasmine is widely used in perfumery and for scenting tea.
In short
- True jasmine belongs to the genus *Jasminum* in the olive family.
- Most species have fragrant white or pale pink flowers; some have yellow flowers.
- Native to tropical and warm temperate regions of the Old World.
- Used for ornament, perfume, and tea scenting.
Jasmine is commonly grown in Canadian gardens, conservatories, and as indoor plants, especially where winter protection or greenhouse culture is available.
Quick questions
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Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/jasmine-plantSupports: Genus, family, approximate number of species, native range, and fruit description.
- Royal Horticultural Society — https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/jasmineSupports: Flower appearance, growth habit, and identification of true jasmines as *Jasminum*.
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — https://www.kew.org/plants/common-jasmineSupports: Fragrance, cultivation history, family placement, and physical description of common jasmine.
- Chicago Botanic Garden — https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-profiles/jasmineSupports: Native range, cultivation, and indoor growing context.