jasmine or jessamine, any plant of the genus Jasminum of the family Oleaceae (olive family). The genus, which includes shrubs and clambering plants, is an Old World group, chiefly of tropical and subtropical regions but cultivated elsewhere, outdoors in mild climates and in greenhouses farther north. The blossoms, mostly white or yellow, are usually very fragrant, some being used for scenting tea; the oil obtained from the flowers is utilized in perfumery. The common jasmine ( J. officinale) has white flowers and glossy deciduous leaves. Both names are often given to other plants, such as Cape jasmine (see madder) and Carolina jasmine (see logania). Jasmine is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Scrophulariales, family Oleaceae.

Cape jasmine: see madder.

Any of about 300 tropical and subtropical species of fragrant, flowering, woody, climbing shrubs that make up the genus Jasminum of the olive family, native to all continents except North America. The jasmine used in perfumery and aromatherapy comes from the fragrant white flowers of common, or poet's, jasmine (J. officinale), native to Iran. The dried flowers of Arabian jasmine (J. sambac) make jasmine tea. Many fragrant-flowered plants from other families are also commonly called jasmine.

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