jewelweed
Family
BalsaminaceaeScientific Name
Impatiens capensis
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Impatiens biflora
Impatiens fulva
Impatiens nortonii
Impatiens noli-tangere ssp. biflora
Habit
Blooms from June to October and grows on a tall, narrow stalk that reaches the height from 2 - 5 feet.
Leaves
Leaves are 1 1/2 -3 1/2 long, egg-shaped and toothed. Leaves and stems are hairless. Stems are hollow.
Identifying Characteristics
When broken, leaves emit an orange liquid similar to bloodroot. The flowers are distinguished from similar species by the orange color and numerous spots.
Flower Seed Head
The orange, dark spotted, trumpet-like flowers are hermaphrodite, about 1 long, and has 2, 2-lobed petals that droop over the opening to the flower and 1 petal. About 1/4 of the length is an inward curving spur of the nectary, which runs parallel to the flower. The stalks that connect the flowers are at least as long as the flowers themselves.
Seed Fruit
The seed capsule is elongated and swollen, and when touched it explodes into 5 twisted parts, sending its seeds up to 4 feet away
Where Found
Wetlands, shady areas, bog gardens, woodlands, sunny edges, and dappled shades.
Growth Habit
upright and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
nickle,
quarter,
half dollar
Dominant Flower Color
Varies:
red,
orange
Flower Symmetry
bilateral symmetry
Leaf Hairs
no hairs
Leaf Shape
oval
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
serrated
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
shorter than leaf
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Life Cycle
summer annual
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb