description Spotted Touch-me-not Overview
Spotted Touch-me-not (Impatiens capensis), also called jewelweed, is a native North American annual of moist woods, wetlands, and streambanks. It bears pendant orange flowers spotted with reddish-brown on translucent, watery stems. The plant is known for its explosively dehiscent seed capsules that release seeds upon touch, and its stem sap has been used as a traditional folk remedy for poison ivy rash.
help Spotted Touch-me-not FAQ
Why is Impatiens capensis called touch-me-not?
Spotted touch-me-not produces seed capsules that split open explosively when touched or fully ripe. The ejected seeds can travel several feet from the parent plant.
What do jewelweed flowers look like?
Impatiens capensis has pendant orange flowers marked with reddish-brown spots. The flowers have a curved nectar spur and are especially attractive to hummingbirds and bees.
Where does spotted touch-me-not grow?
It is a North American annual of moist woods, wetlands, streambanks, and other damp ground. Its translucent, watery stems are well adapted to these consistently moist habitats.
Is jewelweed the same plant as orange balsam?
Yes, orange balsam is another common name for Impatiens capensis, which is also called jewelweed and spotted touch-me-not. The name jewelweed refers to the way water beads on its leaves and stems.
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