Writen by Paul Wonning
Impatiens capensis
Family - balsaminaceae
This annual late summer and fall blooming wild flower inhabits moist, shady spots in most of North America. The Spotted Jewelweed, or Touch Me Not, will spread into fairly large colonies under favorable circumstances. Hanging like a jeweled pendant, the orange spotted flower glistens in the dim woodland light like a gem on a necklace. The plant will grow from two to five feet high.
The name Touch Me Not originated from the ripened seedpod, which will burst casting the seeds out when touched. It begins blooming in late July and continues until September, sometimes October, when the frosts of Autumn cut it down.
The Jewel Weed is loved by hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. The juice from the soft, succulent stems is believed by some to relieve the itch from poison ivy. Scientific studies also prove that the juice has fungicidal qualities and it is prescribed by some herbalists as a treatment for athletes foot and similar maladies.
This wild member of the impatiens family is one of North America's most desirable wildflowers. The flowers of the jewel weed really do glisten like jewels, especially in the early morning sun when the dew is still moist upon them. The young, emerging touch me not, in the early spring, is a lush, succulent green. By fall, the spotted orange flowers supply a wonderful sight in the woodlands and meadows which they inhabit.
Paul Wonning is the owner of Gardens and Nature.com a web site about gardening, hiking and other nature related topics. |
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