Star Jasmine

Botanical Name: 
Trachelospermum jasminoides
Family: 
Dogbane Family (Apocynaceae). Large family with more than 1000 species, including ornamental plants such as Oleander, Periwinkle, Natal Plum, and Frangipani. Members of the family usually have stems with milky juice.
Origin: 
Native to China
At Hearst Castle: 
At Hearst Castle: Planted in several locations at the tops of retaining walls and allowed to drape over the edge. Located at the North Terrace, either side of the stairs up to the Earring Terrace, along Azalea Walk (North Esplanade), and north of Casa Del Monte near the Neptune Dressing Rooms.
Comments: 
Widely grown in California for its fragrance. Can take a good deal of heat in summer. It was introduced into cultivation in 1846. The name "trachelospermum" is derived from "trachelos," a neck, and "sperma," a seed; this refers to the shape of the seed. Despite its common name, Star Jasmine is not a true jasmine at all. True jasmine (genus Jasminum) belongs to the Olive family, not the Dogbane family. The only true Jasmine presently grown at Hearst Castle is Primrose Jasmine (Jasminum mesnyi), which has non-scented yellow flowers; it is used for the hedge at the edge of C Terrace.
Description: 
A vine, spreading shrub, or ground cover. New foliage glossy light green; mature leaves dark green, to 3 inches long. Blooms May to July with white, star-shaped flowers to one inch across, in small clusters. Flowers are very fragrant, espe