Pale Touch-Me-Not

(Impatiens pallida)

Pale Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens pallida)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Impatiens pallida, commonly known as Pale Touch-Me-Not, is an annual herbaceous plant native to moist woodlands, stream banks, and floodplains in the Eastern United States. It typically grows to a height of up to 2 meters (6 ft 7 in). The plant features a succulent stem and ovate leaves. Its yellow flowers, which are spotted with reddish-brown, are quite showy and appear from midsummer through fall, clustered among the upper leaves. The flowers have a unique pouch-like shape and are pollinated by bees and other insects.

Pale Touch-Me-Not is valued for its ease of growth and the ornamental quality of its flowers. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, such as rain gardens or areas that mimic its native wetland habitat. This plant thrives in moist to wet soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. While it prefers rich, humusy soil, it is adaptable to various soil types as long as moisture is consistent. It is not typically subject to serious pest or disease problems, but can be affected by downy mildew in overly wet conditions. One of the interesting aspects of this plant is its seed dispersal mechanism; when ripe, the seed pods burst open upon being lightly touched, hence the common name "Touch-Me-Not."CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.2-0.4 feet
  • Width: 0.1-0.2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

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

Natural Habitat

Moist woodlands, stream banks, and floodplains

Other Names

Common Names: Yellow Jewelweed , Pale Snapweed , Pale Jewelweed , Wild Basalm , Impatiente Pâle

Scientific Names: Impatiens pallida , Impatiens noli-tangere , Impatiens aurea , Impatiens pallida f. dichroma , Impatiens pallida f. pallida , Impatiens pallida f. speciosa , Impatiens pallida var. alba , Chrysaea aurea

GBIF Accepted Name: Impatiens pallida Nutt.