common jewelweed

What it is

Impatiens capensis, the orange jewelweed, common jewelweed, spotted jewelweed, spotted touch-me-not, or orange balsam, is an annual plant native to North America. It is common in bottomland soils, ditches, and along creeks, often growing side-by-side with its less common relative, Yellow Jewelweed (I. pallida).

Where and when to find it

Habitat

You can find jewelweed in wet places like along streams, ponds, ditches, and in moist woodlands across much of the eastern and central US.

How to find it

Look for it in damp, shady spots. The flowers are bright orange with red spots. The 'exploding' seed pods are its most fun trick!

Best time of day

Summer and early fall when it's flowering and the seed pods are ripe.

How it lives

What it eats

Sunlight, water, and nutrients from wet soil

What eats it

Hummingbirds (nectar), birds and small mammals (seeds)

Worth knowing

• The sap from its stem is sometimes used to soothe skin itches from poison ivy.
• Another name for it is 'touch-me-not' because of its seed pods.
• The flowers hang like little jewels, especially when dew drops are on them.
• Its flowers are shaped perfectly for hummingbirds to reach the nectar.
• The seed pods coil up when they release their seeds.
• After rain, water beads up on its leaves like tiny shimmering jewels.

Why it matters

Common jewelweed provides nectar for hummingbirds and bees. Its seeds are a food source for birds and small mammals.