Jewelweed

Impatiens capensis

Plant Characteristics:

• Duration: Annual 
• Habit: herb 
• Fruit type: Capsule 
• Size class: 
• Native Habitat: Shaded wetlands 
• Bloom time: July-October

Growing Conditions 

• Light:
  • Shade 
• Water:
  • Medium
• Soil: 
  • Moisture: Moist, wet
  • CaCO3 tolerance: Low 
  • Description: Clay, Loam, Sand

Benefits:

• Attracts birds, hummingbirds, butterflies 
• Specific value to Bumble Bees
• Medicinal: 
  • Stem juice is said to relieve itching from poison ivy and also been used to treat athlete’s foot 
• Conspicuous flowers

Drawbacks: 

• Berries can be toxic to humans: Especially to children if ingested

Additional uses: 

• The seed pods can pop when you touch them and it is very fun!