Plant · GBIF taxon 5335125
common gardenia
Gardenia jasminoidesAlso known as Cape Jasmine, Cape Jessamine
Common gardenia produces velvety, ivory-white flowers that release an exceptionally rich, sweet scent as evening approaches. Deep glossy green leaves coat dense branching shrubs that maintain their foliage year-round across warm subtropical landscapes. In its native Asian ranges, the plant forms thickets along stream banks and forest edges, where its bright orange seed pods provide vibrant autumn color.
FragrantEvergreenOrnamental
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
- Whiteflies
- Scale Insects
- Spider Mites
ThreatsHabitat clearance in wild ranges, SAP-sucking insect pests in cultivation
HabitatsSubtropical forests, stream banks, thickets, and cultivated gardens
Life span15 to 50 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderGentianales
- FamilyRubiaceae
- GenusGardenia
- SpeciesGardenia jasminoides
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested; keep plants away from curious pets.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains iridoid glycosides such as geniposide and gardenoside, which cause gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, and vomiting in domestic pets.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for glossy dark green leaves paired with intensely sweet-scented white flowers that age to a soft cream-yellow.
- What to do
- Keep potted plants or low garden shrubs out of reach of household pets and seek veterinary advice if foliage is chewed.
Responsible observation
- Fragrance Timing: Sniff flowers during evening hours when essential oil emission peaks to attract night pollinators.
- Soil Care: Plant in acidic, well-draining soil and maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging roots.
- Pet Safety: Position container plants on elevated stands out of reach from roaming dogs and cats.
Ecological Look-Alike 
Family Relative (c) Forest and Kim Starr, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Mmatjie Mashao, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-saClose Relative
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