Jewelweed

(Impatiens capensis)

Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)

Fritz Geller-Grimm

CC BY-SA 2.5

Image By: Fritz Geller-Grimm

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Fritz Geller-Grimm | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.5 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5 | Uploader: Dysmachus | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Potapsco_fg13.jpg | Notes: Photo of ''[[Iochroma fuchsioides]]'' [[San Francisco Botanical Garden]], taken July 2004 by [[User:Stan Shebs]] {{GFDL-self}} |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Impatiens capensis, commonly known as Jewelweed or Touch-me-not, is an annual herb native to moist, shaded areas such as floodplain forests, swamps, and along stream banks in the Central and Eastern USA and Canada. It typically grows 3 to 5 feet tall and is known for its vibrant orange, sometimes blood orange or rarely yellow, flowers with a three-lobed corolla from late spring to early fall. The flowers are quite showy, with one of the calyx lobes colored similarly to the corolla, forming a hooked conical spur at the back. Additionally, Jewelweed may produce non-showy cleistogamous flowers that self-pollinate. The plant often branches extensively, with round, glabrous, and succulent stems that are semi-translucent and may have swollen or darkened nodes. The leaves are alternate, simple, and toothed on the margins.

Jewelweed is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees. It is often used in shaded garden areas, naturalized plantings, and for erosion control due to its dense growth. In cultivation, it thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water requirements and is adaptable to a range of soil drainage conditions, from fast to slow. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and should not be overwatered. Gardeners appreciate its ease of care and its utility in wet, shady gardens where other plants may struggle.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 2-5 feet
Width: 1.5-2.5 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: Orange
Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Hummingbird Garden, Showy Flowers, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Moist, shaded areas such as floodplain forests, swamps, and stream banks

Other Names

Common Names: Spotted Touch-Me-Not , Orange Balsam , Orange Touch-Me-Not , Spotted Jewelweed , Touch-Me-Not , Snapweed , Lady’s-Earrings , Orange Jewelweed , Canadisk Balsamin , Orangerotes Springkraut

Scientific Names: Impatiens capensis , Impatiens biflora , Impatiens fulva , Impatiens capensis f. immaculata , Impatiens capensis f. capensis , Impatiens biflora f. citrina , Impatiens biflora f. immaculata , Impatiens nortonii , Impatiens fulva f. albiflora , Impatiens noli-tangere subsp. biflora

GBIF Accepted Name: Impatiens capensis Meerb.