Cestrum nocturnum, commonly known as Night-blooming Jasmine, is a tropical evergreen shrub. The plant’s modest, greenish-white flowers are inconspicuous during the day, but they release one of the most potent and far-reaching fragrances in the plant kingdom after dusk. This intense, sweet perfume is the defining characteristic of the species, transforming gardens and landscapes throughout the evening and night. This nocturnal scent has cemented the plant’s reputation and its popular moniker, Lady of the Night.
Botanical Profile and Native Habitat
The Night-blooming Jasmine is classified within the Solanaceae family, which includes familiar plants like tomatoes and potatoes, but also highly toxic species. This classification distinguishes Cestrum nocturnum from true jasmines, which belong to the unrelated genus Jasminum. It is an evergreen woody shrub, typically reaching heights of 6 to 13 feet in cultivation.
Its leaves are simple, glossy, and narrow-lanceolate, ranging from 2 to 8 inches in length, and are borne on slender, sometimes arching branches. The flowers are small, tubular, and creamy white to pale green, clustered in terminal or axillary panicles. Following pollination, the plant produces small, white, globular berries containing the seeds. Cestrum nocturnum is native to the tropical and subtropical Americas, extending from Mexico and Central America down into northern South America and the Caribbean Islands.
Cultivation and Care Requirements
Growing Night-blooming Jasmine requires warm, humid conditions. The shrub performs best in full sun, which encourages the most abundant flowering, though it can tolerate partial shade. Aiming for at least six hours of direct sunlight daily is optimal for maximizing bloom production and fragrance output.
The plant demands consistently moist, rich, and well-draining soil, thriving best in light, sandy loams. Heavy clay soil that retains too much water can lead to root rot, so incorporating organic matter is beneficial for drainage and fertility. During the active growing season, deep watering should be frequent enough to prevent the top inch of soil from drying out completely.
As a tropical species, Cestrum nocturnum is sensitive to cold temperatures and frost, making it reliably hardy only in USDA zones 9 through 11. In regions where temperatures drop below 35°F, it must be grown in a container for protection during winter months. The shrub is vigorous and fast-growing, benefiting from pruning to maintain a manageable shape and encourage bushier growth. Pruning should occur after a major flowering cycle or in late winter to early spring before new growth begins.
The Science of Nocturnal Fragrance
The timing of the Night-blooming Jasmine’s scent release is controlled by the plant’s internal circadian rhythm. This allows the plant to coordinate the release of its volatile compounds precisely with the nighttime hours. The floral scent is synthesized and emitted in a rhythmic pulse, peaking sharply after sunset when its target pollinators are most active.
The intense aroma is composed of a complex blend of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are small, airborne molecules that easily vaporize. Scientific analysis has identified specific phenylpropanoids as the main components, including benzaldehyde, phenyl acetaldehyde, and benzyl acetate. These compounds are responsible for the sweet, heavy, and sometimes cloying nature of the fragrance. Their production is metabolically costly, which explains why the plant conserves resources by releasing them only when needed.
This nocturnal fragrance serves the evolutionary purpose of attracting night-flying insects, primarily moths, which are the plant’s specialized pollinators. The white, tubular shape of the flowers and the scent are adaptations designed for moth pollination, as moths navigate and feed in low-light conditions. Focusing energy on scent production at night ensures efficient resource allocation and maximizes the chance of cross-pollination by these nocturnal visitors.
Safety Considerations and Toxicity
Cestrum nocturnum is toxic. All parts of the shrub—the leaves, stems, flowers, and especially the small, white berries—contain toxic alkaloids that pose a danger if ingested. These compounds include the glycoalkaloid solanine and atropine-like anticholinergic alkaloids, which are common to the Solanaceae family.
Ingestion of any part of the plant can lead to significant poisoning in both humans and animals. Symptoms in humans may include elevated body temperature, a rapid pulse, excessive salivation, and severe gastrointestinal distress. For pets and livestock, consumption of the leaves or berries has been linked to severe gastrointestinal upset, central nervous system issues, and potentially fatal consequences, including hyperexcitability, increased heart rate, and kidney damage.
The potent nocturnal fragrance itself can act as a respiratory irritant for sensitive individuals. Close proximity to the blooming shrub, especially in enclosed spaces or areas with poor air circulation, has been reported to cause symptoms like intense headaches, nausea, dizziness, and irritation of the nose and throat. Due to these risks, the plant should be placed away from areas frequented by small children and domestic pets, and gardeners should wear gloves when pruning or handling the shrub.