Carolina Jessamine is a common woody vine in the Coastal Plain and lower Piedmont of North Carolina. The opposite evergreen leaves are dark green, glossy, smooth, and pliable; in leaf it can be confused with Climbing Dogbane (Thyrsanthella difformis), which has milky sap - just break off a leaf if you're confused about the ID.

Wake Co., NC 5/23/2009.

Very fragrant yellow tubular flowers cover the vines from late winter to early spring.

Common in a wide variety of habitats in the Coastal Plain and lower Piedmont of North Carolina, this species is also a very popular ornamental.

Bladen Co., NC 3/25/07.

The only similar species is Swamp Jessamine (Gelsemium rankinii), which grows only in the southeastern corner of NC and only along blackwater river swamps. The flowers of Swamp Jessamine are reported to be nearly odorless, while those of Carolina Jessamine are intensely richly fragrant (though I know one person who cannot smell this).

Harnett Co., NC 4/19/03.

Harnett Co., NC 4/19/03.

Ripening capsules. The capsules dry as they mature and split open along the sides.

Columbus Co., NC 9/28/2013.