Pink jasmine, Jasminum Polyanthum is an invasive weed in Australia but is a sought-after winter-blooming vine in much of the US.
Most types of jasmine are extremely fragrant and can either be deciduous or evergreen.
The emperors of China’s Sung Dynasty (960 to 1279 A.D.) found the fragrance of jasmine immensely enjoyable. In the 1400s, the kings of Afghanistan, Nepal and Persia ordered jasmine planted around their residences. It is believed the Moors introduced jasmine to Spain during the 1600s. Other western European countries like Italy and France quickly embraced jasmine flowers. The only continents without native species of jasmine are Antarctica and North America. Jasminum sambac is used to make jasmine tea. As early as the 13th century, the Chinese were scenting their green tea with jasmine. Chinese herbalists continue to use jasmine to treat headaches, insomnia and bone pain.