Impatiens capensis (Orange Jewelweed)

Noted for its aesthetically pleasing flowers, Impatiens capensis (Orange Jewelweed) is a tall, leafy annual boasting pendent golden-orange blossoms with decorative red-orange flecks and a large cornucopia-shaped pouch with a long nectar spur at the back that curves underneath the rest of the flower. Blooming from early summer until frost, the interesting flowers dangle like porcelain earrings from the leaf axils. They are visited by bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other important pollinators. The succulent, weak, watery stems are clothed with oval, toothed, blue-green leaves 3-4 in. long (7-10 cm). The stem juice is reported to relieve itching from poison ivy and has also been used to treat athletes’ foot. The flowers are followed by slender seed capsules that burst with the slightest touch, dispersing the seeds a great distance, hence the common name of touch-me-not. Orange Jewelweed is a widespread plant that occurs in moist, semi-shady areas throughout northern and eastern North America. It makes a lovely addition to native plant gardens and is suitable only to wet natural gardens, along streams and ponds or bog gardens, where it can roam freely. Fruits can be toxic to humans, especially children if ingested.

• Grows up to 24-60 in. tall (60-150 cm) and 18-30 in. wide (45-75 cm). Will self-seed profusely to the point of being a nuisance.
• Performs best in part shade in humus-rich, wet soils. Tolerates full shade.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Great for shady and moist areas such as woodland gardens, bog gardens, rain gardens, or near ponds and streams.
• Can be propagated easily by direct sowing of fresh seed in early fall.
• Native to North America.