Jasmine Plant

Jasminum polyanthum

Jasmine Plants are very fragrant indoor flowering plants that originated in China and the tropical areas of Asia. The buds of the Jasmine Plant are often more fragrant than the flowers. An indoor Jasmine Plant has shiny oval leaves and white waxy 1” tubular flowers that develop from pink buds. The Jasmine Polyanthum variety is a twining, climbing plant with long, slender, trailing stems and is one of the easiest varieties of the Jasmine Plant to grow indoors. Another good indoor variety is Jasminum sambac or “Maid of New Orleans.” Under the right conditions Jasmine Plants can bloom several times a year, filling your home with a beautiful scent. The flowers of a true Jasmine Plant (Oleaceae Family) are nontoxic if eaten. The flowers of false Jasmine Plant (Loganiaceae family) such as Yellow Jasmine or Carolina Jasmine are very poisonousPlants are a great addition to homes and offices, but it’s important to know whether your plants are dangerous to children, pets, or even adults. Some plants contain chemicals such as oxalates, solanine, glycosides, or alkaloid lycorine that may cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, swelling and redness of the mouth, throat, and lips, and trouble breathing. Touching parts of certain plants, especially the sap, may cause various skin irritations. The weight and age of the human or pet involved, and the part and amount of plant eaten determine how severe the reaction to the toxins will be. Although plants may be listed as non-toxic, they can still cause individual allergic reactions. If there is any question after a houseplant has been ingested or touched immediately call the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 The Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants [Paperback]is an excellent reference to keep around if you have young children and pets.. If you are unsure whether you have a true or false Jasmine Plant always err on the side of caution and keep the plant away from children and animals.