Japanese Star Jasmine 'Minima' / Asian Jasmine (Variegated or Chlorotic cultivar)
Kingdom: Plantae > Division: Tracheophyta > Class: Magnoliopsida > Order: Gentianales > Family: Apocynaceae > Genus: Trachelospermum > Species: T. asiaticum · Apocynaceae (Dogbane family) · Simple, broadleaf evergreen groundcover
Species
Trachelospermum ASIATICUM
Leaf Type
Simple, broadleaf evergreen groundcover
Family
Apocynaceae (Dogbane family)
Shape
Lanceolate to narrowly ovate or elliptic with acute tips
Size
0.5 to 1.5 inches long and 0.25 to 0.75 inches wide
Margin
Entire (smooth, unlobed edge)
Arrangement
Opposite along slender trailing or vinelike stems
Rarity
Very Common as a landscape groundcover, though variegated varieties or specimens showing interveinal chlorosis are less standard in naturalized lawns
Color & Pattern
Mottled yellow-green foliage showing reticulate chlorosis or natural net-patterned variegation, contrasting with typical solid green turfgrass mixed within
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with pronounced dark green reticulate (net-like) minor veins creating a marble pattern on lime-yellow leaf blades
Texture & Surface
Smooth, slightly leathery (coriaceous), matte to slightly glossy upper surface
Description
A low-growing, woody perennial vine or groundcover forming dense, leafy mats. Leaves are small, opposite, and smooth-edged with short petioles. Small white to creamy yellow flowers occasionally appear in warm weather, emitting a sweet fragrance.
Key Features
Opposite simple small leaves, reddish-brown wiry stems, milky sap when stems are broken, and distinct dark green network of veins over yellowish leaf surfaces
Habitat
Cultivated gardens, landscapes, lawns, borders, and warm temperate to subtropical urban yards
Geographic Range
Native to East Asia (Japan, Korea); widely planted across the Southeastern United States and warmer hardiness zones globally
Condition Notes
Fair. The foliage displays noticeable interveinal chlorosis (nutrient imbalance such as iron/magnesium deficiency or pH stress) or is a golden/variegated cultivar growing amidst lawn weed grass.
Interesting Facts
Despite its common name 'jasmine', it is not a true jasmine (Jasminum family Oleaceae) but belongs to the dogbane family, famous for producing latex sap.
Medicinal & Uses
Popular commercial landscape groundcover for erosion control, slope stabilization, and weed suppression. Not used internally due to toxicity.
Ecological Role
Provides ground cover and soil protection against erosion. Fragrant blooms attract bees and butterflies when grown in sunny locations.
Similar Species
Confused with Confederate Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides), Vinca minor, or Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica).
Foraging Tips
Look for dense carpet-like mats in lawn borders, wiry vine stems bleeding white latex when torn, and small glossy opposite leaves.
Toxicity Warning
Mildly to Moderately Toxic. Produces milky latex sap containing alkaloids that cause mild skin irritation and gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets or humans.
Notes
Yard