El Niño has brought more than leaky roofs, ant infestations and backed-up storm drains. In Cole Valley and across the Sunset, jasmine vines and Victorian box trees are in full, fragrant flower.
A Victorian box tree.
Pittosporum undulatum (also known as Victorian box, mock orange and sweet pittosporum) are native to Australia, but like the highly invasive eucalyptus, they're well suited to San Francisco's climate. Drought-resistant and adaptable to the different soil types found throughout the Sunset, Victorian box trees can reach up to 40 feet, and line many of the streets in the area.
Several times each year, clusters of tiny white buds appear among the waxy, dark green leaves on the Victorian box. They release a strong, sweet citrus fragrance, which is strongest in the evenings. "Seeping in through open windows, under doors, the scent saturates the air, the bedclothes, so dense you can taste it," wrote one LA Times columnist, who described the trees as "the first coy promise of spring."
Pink jasmine typically blooms a little later in the year.
Pink jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum) are the creeping, flowering evergreen vines commonly found along fence lines and winding itself around trees in the Sunset. Because pink jasmine flowers in full or partial shade, it's a popular choice for trellises, privacy hedges and flower pots.
These fragrant vines can grow up to 20 feet. They're used in the Outside Lands as ornamentals and as ground cover that attracts bees, hummingbirds, and on occasion, DIY fans, who use it to make their own teas and essential oil.
Although many appreciate the free aromatherapy created by the conjoined bouquets of pink jasmine and Victorian box, some may find the pairing overwhelming, to say nothing of the slick coat of flowers that covers cars and sidewalks after a stiff wind or strong rain.
For those who grumble while sweeping their steps or brushing blossoms off their car, try inhaling deeply through your nose: a 2010 study found that the scent of jasmine relieves anxiety and promotes rest.
