Carolina jasmine (Gelsemium sempervirens) is a highly toxic, but beautiful, trailing woody vine that grows in the coastal and Piedmont areas of the Carolinas. It is found in bluffs to swamps throughout the Southeastern United States, most frequently seen along fence lines, open woods and roadsides. G. sempervirens produces small clusters of fragrant yellow, showy trumpet-shaped flowers late winter to early spring. G. sempervirens is the South Carolina state flower.
All parts of G. sempervirens are toxic to poultry. The rhizomes contain the highest amount of toxins, which are strychnine-related alkaloids gelsemine, gelseminine and sempervirine.
