Jewelweed

Jewelweed was taken to France, England, and other parts of central and Northern Europe in the 1800 and 1900s where it readily naturalized. Oftentimes, it is found near its less common relative yellow jewelweed or touch-me-not (l. pallida). Once established, jewelweed will return each year! 

Scientific Name: Impatiens capensis  
Common Name: orange balsam, orange jewelweed, spotted jewelweed, spotted touch-me-not  
Plant Family: balsam (Balsaminaceae) 

Etymology: Its species name capensis means “of the cape” which was used because its origin was mistakenly thought to be from South Africa. Glistening droplets of water on its leaves is said to be the source of the common name of jewelweed. 

Traditional Uses 

Native Americans used the plant medicinally by using the sap from the stem and leaves to relieve pain and itching from many ailments including poison ivy, hives, stinging nettle, etc. 

Medicinal Uses

It is mostly used for wounds and other skin issues but in modern herbalism it is rarely used due to its dangerous effect when used internally. On the other hand, an infusion has been used to treat measles, jaundice, fevers, stomach cramps, difficult urination, etc. Its sap can be used to remove warts and a poultice of the leaves can be used for burns, cuts, bruises, etc. Lastly, the juice of the leaves can be used to treat burns, fungal dermatitis, piles, etc. 

Edible Parts 

Eating this plant on a regular basis can be dangerous due to its high mineral content. However, the succulent stems can be cut up and cooked only while they are still young and tender. Young leaves and shoots contain calcium oxalate crystals that may be reduced through cooking. 

Permaculture Functions and Considerations 

Jewelweed is a source of nectar for many pollinators, can suppress weeds, and can be used to treat many medical conditions such as poison ivy, fevers, warts, nettle stings, and more! 

Habitat  

Widespread in areas such as margins of bogs and marshes, ditches, low woodlands, disturbed areas such as road cuts, and along streams and lakes. It can be a great addition to native plant gardens or rain gardens! Additionally, it can be used to fill areas and suppress weeds.  

How to Identify 

The flowers are an inch long and unscented with yellow to orange petals with red-orange markings. Sometimes the flowers may be a white or pale yellow color or may be unspotted. Stems are smooth and translucent and ranges in color from reddish green to pale green. Some have swollen or darkened nodes and its leaves are a bluish-green and oval-shaped with coarse margins. Its fruit is a pod that releasing small round seeds upon contact. 

Wildlife Support 

Jewelweed's flowers are visited by butterflies, bumblebees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. It is said that hummingbirds may follow jewelweed bloom from north to south in late summer through fall which suggests that it is an important source of nectar and may influence migration timing. In addition, by attracting insects jewelweed in turn attracts birds. 

Additional Information 

Often forms densely and outcompetes other plants when growing under optimal conditions. Jewelweed is hermaphrodite meaning that is has both female and male organs. 

Sources 

• https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/jewelweed-impatiens-capensis/ 
• https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/impatiens_capensis.shtml 
• https://gnps.org/plant/jewelweed-impatiens-capensis/ 
• https://pfaf.org/USER/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Impatiens+capensis 
• https://northerngardener.org/plant-profile-spotted-jewelweed/