Plants and People Project

Spotted Jewelweed - Impatiens capensis

"Tall leafy plant with succulent, translucent stems and orange flowers." Field Guide to North American Wildflowers

Called Touch-me-not or Quick in hand because of bursting seed pods. Botanical.com Also called Eardrop, Silverleaf, and Balsam Weed Wildflower folklore

"The seeds, separated from the rest of the fruit, were eaten by Native Americans raw or as toppings on deserts, tastes like Butternuts." NativeTech.org

The crushed leaves of the Jewelweed has been used to treat poison ivy rash and athletes foot. Peterson Field Guides Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants

The juice has been confirmed to have antifungal properties. Field Guide to North American Wildflowers

Caution: You can be allergic to jewelweed which can cause a contact dermatits (rash)

Jewelweed grows along streams and rivers. They serve a valuable role in stabilizing the creek and stream banks. They are effective in controlling soil erosion. It prefers shade.

Jewelweed can be highly invasive in the garden.

Hummingbirds and bees are attracted to the jewelweed flower's nectar. Bobwhite Quail eat the seeds. Muskrats consume the leaves and stems.

DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past. Be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.

Identification and other facts / More facts / Wikipedia

Jewelweed

Emerging jewelweed

Jewelweed blooming in August