Jewelweed
By Lise Fracalossi
aka spotted jewelweed, spotted touch-me-not
Impatiens capensis
Native to: All of New England
Life cycle: Annual
Light: Partial/Full Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet to Medium
Height: 2-5’
Spacing: 2-3’
Blooms: July-September
Bloom Color: Orange
Natural Habitat: Human-disturbed or -maintained habitats, forests, shores of rivers or lakes, swamps, wetland margins
Benefits: Bird Favorite, Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Butterflies, Rain Garden
“The mature seed pods of spotted touch-me-not pop open at a slight touch, giving this species its common name. Juice from the crushed stem is said to alleviate the symptoms of poison ivy and stinging nettle. This is due to the binding action of the chemical lawsone. Native Americans used it topically to treat a wide variety of skin conditions.”
– Go Botany
“If you have ever seen a Jewelweed plant in bloom with dew hanging on it, the reason it is also called Jewelweed is obvious.”
– Prairie Moon Nursery
