The glory of Carolina jessamine is on full display across S.C.

Hello, I’m Amanda McNulty with Clemson Extension and Making It Grow. On my ride to Sumter from St. Matthews, parts of the roadsides are ablaze with our state flower, Carolina jessamine. When crossing the Congaree River Bridge connecting Richland and Calhoun Counties, it’s making the most exquisite display in the full sun and using trees to clamor over, but also making almost a rug of yellow over slopes and grassy areas. When first seen by those who aren’t familiar with it, some people think that trees are bursting into bloom with this native vine. When not in bloom, it’s not especially noticeable unless covering a fence, although it has distinctive dark stems and handsome evergreen leaves. I stopped to pick some for a hat and found that its strong, twining vines made it a battle to pull out of branches.