Jasmine is a genus of fragrant, flowering plants belonging to the olive family, Oleaceae. Its intense, sweet aroma makes it a popular garden plant. Whether jasmine attracts bees and other pollinators depends heavily on the specific species and the time of day the plant is most active. Different jasmine varieties have evolutionary strategies that dictate which insects will visit, making careful identification necessary for gardeners.
How Jasmine Attracts Pollinators
Jasmine species that bloom during the day attract bees and other diurnal insects primarily through their powerful fragrance. The alluring scent is composed of volatile organic compounds, such as benzyl acetate and jasmone, which function as long-distance chemical signals for foraging insects. The white or yellow color of the petals also provides visual cues that are highly attractive to bees, drawing them in once they are close enough to perceive the flower’s shape.
Once a bee arrives, the flower offers a reward of both pollen and sugary nectar. However, the physical structure of many true jasmine species includes long, narrow, tubular corollas. While smaller bees may easily access the nectar and pollen, the deep, tubular shape can limit the ability of larger honeybees or bumblebees to collect resources efficiently. This structural limitation means that the plant’s design often favors pollinators with specialized mouthparts, such as long-tongued moths, over generalist bees.
Essential Types of Jasmine for Identification
The common name “jasmine” is widely applied to several different plants, which creates significant confusion for gardeners. True jasmines belong to the genus Jasminum, which includes species like Jasminum officinale and Jasminum sambac. These true jasmines offer a nectar source for pollinators.
A common plant often mistaken for true jasmine is Star or Confederate Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides), which is safe for bees and butterflies. A more concerning misidentification is the Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens), sometimes called Yellow or Evening Jasmine, recognizable by its yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers. This plant is highly toxic to humans and livestock, and its nectar has been reported to be toxic to honeybees, especially when other foraging options are scarce. Gardeners should identify yellow-flowered vines carefully; trumpet-shaped yellow flowers likely indicate the toxic Carolina Jessamine.
Supporting Other Nighttime Pollinators
Many jasmine species famous for their powerful fragrance, such as Night-blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum), are adapted for nocturnal visitors. These plants release their most intense aroma after sunset, a strategy that avoids competition with daytime pollinators. The pale, often white, color of the blossoms serves as a visual beacon, reflecting moonlight to guide their specialized partners.
The primary recipient of this nighttime strategy is the moth population, particularly hawk moths or sphinx moths. These insects possess the long proboscis necessary to reach nectar deep within the floral tube. They are highly efficient pollinators, drawn in by night-released volatile compounds like indole and benzyl acetate. Gardeners can support these night-shift pollinators by incorporating night-fragrant, pale-colored plants into their landscape, creating a valuable resource.