With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
In praise of jasmine, the quintessential LA scent

If you’ve lived here long enough, you’ll know it. You’re out walking in springtime and suddenly your nose will twitch, like a dog getting a scent. It’s that smell!
Like an olfactory Sherlock Holmes, you begin to track it down, sniffing as you go. Where is it? Over here? Look around the corner… Yes there it is!
Jasmine. You plunge your nose into the mass of delicate white flowers and glossy green leaves and inhale the wonder. It’s heady, it’s sensual, it’s intoxicating. Thank you, universe.

It’s a small gift that gives its scent generously, and then fades away, yet another reason to be appreciative of the imperfect paradise in which we live.
Yes, you may smell it while taking in the trash cans, or surrounded by vehicle fumes, but it can somehow transcend your surroundings and turn your life, for that one minute, into something majestic, even mystical.
For the botanically-curious amongst you, jasmine mostly originates from Asia, introduced to a happy American public in the mid 19th century. So no, it’s not strictly native to SoCal, and if that’s your thing….well, jasmine’s not for you.
(Although maybe there should be a carve-out for outsiders who bring something that homegrown can’t offer? Like jasmine. And Bird of Paradise. And a few others. OK, you add to the list).

There are more than 200 species of jasmine, but in terms of that smell… well, here in L.A, it will most likely be one of two species. (I say likely because I’m sure there are jasmine fanatics out there ready to pounce. I assure you, I come in peace).
If you come upon a gorgeous scent during the day, it’s likely from Star Jasmine, Trachelospermum jasminoides, a fast growing vine that happily spreads across fences or trellises.
If you come upon an overwhelming fragrance at night, it’s probably from Night-blooming Jasmine, Cestrum nocturnum, an evergreen shrub.
Apparently they belong to two different plant families, but somehow each worked out how to put similarly enticing scents into the world, which makes us care not a whit about their genealogy.
While we are sad that jasmine’s star turn is slowly coming to an end, there are some who will be celebrating. Those who sneeze, cough, or blow their nose repeatedly at the very idea of jasmine. People so allergic that they’ve spent these past weeks hunched over in purgatory. We are very glad that you’ll finally be able to emerge from indoors.
We, however, are already wistfully smelling every jamine flower we can find to inhale that one last heavenly note of perfume. Yes, it will emerge again next spring ..... but it’s hard to say goodbye to something that has given so much pleasure. So jasmine — till next time.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.

-
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases.
-
Distrito Catorce’s Guillermo Piñon says the team no longer reflects his community. A new mural will honor local leaders instead.
-
The program is for customers in communities that may not be able to afford turf removal or water-saving upgrades.
-
More than half of sales through September have been to corporate developers. Grassroots community efforts continue to work to combat the trend.
-
The bill would increase penalties for metal recyclers who possess or purchase metal used in public infrastructure.
-
The new ordinance applies to certain grocers operating in the city and has led to some self-checkout lanes to shutter.