Impatiens capensis (Orange Jewelweed) Balsaminaceae

Impatiens capensis, commonly known as spotted touch-me-not or jewelweed, is a fun plant as the common names describe. As is characteristic of the Balsaminaceae family, when the fruit is mature the seeds are expelled from the capsule when touched.  As for the common name, jewelweed,  perhaps it is called that because  the entire underside of the leaf shimmers like a jewel when submerged in water or maybe because the delicate little flower dangles from a very thin stem, like a jewel on a necklace.  In addition the juice of the stem is said to relieve the skin irritation caused by poison ivy. 

Physical characteristics

Leaf: Simple, alternate, coarsely toothed, ovate, 1.5”–3.5” long. Pale and glaucous underneath, they leaves shimmer and look silvery when submerged under water as in the photo below.

Photo by David Jansen

Flower | Seeds: The golden-orange flowers with splotches of a darker brownish color are about one inch long. There are five petals, that form the upper lip, the lower lips and two smaller lips between the upper and lower lips. There are three sepals, one of which is the characteristic spur containing nectar. The flower droops or dangles from the pedicel. The fruit is a five-chambered capsule that, when mature, bursts open expelling the seeds.

Photo by G. D. Carr

Stems: A herbaceous plant, the stems are somewhat translucent and succulent and it grows up to 2–5’ tall.

Life span: Annual, it completes it’s growing cycle in one growing season, flowers July-October

Ecological characteristics

Impatiens capensis  occurs in dense wooded areas and shaded wetlands often on the edges of woodland paths, swamps, and roadside ditches. It is a commonly occurring plan in the US and Canada. As indicated by the distribution range maps below, it is present in most counties in Illinois and is native and present in the counties colored light green, as well as native and present in the states colored dark green.

Distribution range of Impatiens capensis

In Illinois (source) 

In the US (please click source below for a detailed map key)

Source

Importance to the ecosystem

Photo by G. D. Carr

Impatiens capensa provides nectar to birds and insects and well as foliage for larvae and mammal, and seeds for birds and rodents.  

Relationship with other species

Photo by Michael Bons

Non-human: Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies feed on nectar. The flowers are adapted to be pollinated by hummingbirds. Foliage is eaten by caterpillars of several species of moths and white-tailed deer. game birds and rodents eat the seeds. 

Humans: The stem has anti-fungal properties which has made it effective in treating athlete’s foot. It is also said to relieve the itching of skin irritation caused by contact with poison ivy and nettles, which often are found growing nearby. 

Pests:  May be affected by mildew.

Imptiens pallida, a similar species