Trachelospermum jasminoides, widely known as Confederate Jasmine or Star Jasmine, is a highly popular, fragrant evergreen vine used extensively in landscaping across warmer climates. Gardeners prize this plant for its vigorous twining growth habit and its ability to cover fences, trellises, or serve as a dense groundcover. Despite its common name, Confederate Jasmine is not a “true” jasmine, as it belongs to the Apocynaceae (Dogbane) family, not the Jasminum genus.
Identifying Confederate Jasmine
The plant is easily recognized by its opposite, glossy, dark green leaves that are leathery and remain on the vine year-round. These oval to lanceolate leaves may take on a bronze-red hue during the cooler winter months. Its stems are slender and twining, requiring a structure for vertical climbing, though the vine can also sprawl effectively as a mounding groundcover. The most distinctive feature is the cluster of small, white, pinwheel-shaped flowers that appear in abundance.
Toxicity and Hazardous Parts
Confederate Jasmine is generally classified as non-toxic for ingestion to common household pets, including dogs and cats, by authoritative veterinary toxicology sources. However, the plant poses a minor risk due to mechanical irritation and the presence of a sticky substance. When a stem or leaf is broken, a white, milky sap, known as latex, exudes from the cut. This latex is known to be an irritant upon contact, which is a common trait among plants in the Dogbane family.
The primary confusion regarding Confederate Jasmine’s danger level often stems from its common name. Highly toxic plants, such as Carolina Jasmine (Gelsemium sempervirens), are often mistakenly grouped with it due to the shared name “jasmine,” though they are botanically distinct. While ingestion is not typically life-threatening, the sap is the main hazardous component, potentially causing localized irritation rather than systemic poisoning.
Recognizing Symptoms of Exposure
Exposure typically results in two forms of reaction: irritation from contact or mild gastrointestinal upset from ingestion. Direct contact with the milky white sap, which occurs during pruning or when stems are broken, can cause localized skin irritation. This may manifest as redness, a mild rash, or a burning sensation on the skin, and can be particularly irritating if it contacts the eyes.
If a pet or small child ingests a portion of the plant, the physical material and sap can irritate the digestive tract. Symptoms are usually limited to mild, transient gastrointestinal upset. This commonly includes vomiting, diarrhea, and general abdominal discomfort. While these symptoms are rarely severe, they serve as the body’s natural defense mechanism.
Emergency Protocol
If you suspect a person or pet has ingested Confederate Jasmine, the first action should be to remove any remaining plant material from the mouth. For skin or eye contact with the sap, immediately flush the affected area with copious amounts of clean water for several minutes. This rinsing is important for minimizing the potential for localized irritation or eye discomfort.
For human ingestion, contact Poison Control immediately for guidance specific to the amount consumed and the individual’s age and health status. Pet owners should contact a veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for professional advice. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so by a medical or veterinary professional. Wearing gloves is a simple, effective preventative measure that minimizes direct contact with the irritating latex sap during pruning.