Jasminum nudiflorum takes its species name from a simple, honest observation: nudiflorum means naked flowering, and the plant does exactly that, producing funnel-shaped yellow blooms on leafless green stems in January and February before any foliage has appeared. The stems themselves are square and green, remaining that color through their first year before aging to gray or reddish-brown. Native to Tibet and central China, this jasmine sprawls and arches rather than climbing, forming dense green mounds through the summer months and rooting readily wherever arching branches touch the soil. As a ground cover for slopes and banks it is effective and virtually self-sustaining.

Grown as a vine, it reaches ten to fifteen feet and can be trained along terraces, stone walls, or support structures, where the late-winter display makes a genuine contribution to the landscape. It tolerates heavy shade, though flowering diminishes considerably in deep shadow. Well-drained soil is preferred but far from mandatory — the plant adapts to poor soils and a variety of conditions with minimal complaint. Unlike its relatives, the flowers are non-fragrant, but that is a small concession given the timing. Pruning, if needed, should come immediately after flowering; the new growth that follows carries next winter's buds.