Impatiens pallida aka Jewelweed

Impatiens pallida is an annual wildflower in the balsam family. Its common names include pale jewelweed and pale touch-me-not. It comes from eastern Canada and the central and eastern United States. Its range reaches from Newfoundland and Saskatchewan south to Georgia. Wild plants grow in damp woods, wet meadows, and stream margins. They also occur beside roads and near bogs.

Plants grow upright and reach 2–5 feet [0.61–1.52 metres] tall. Their spread is about 2–3 feet [0.61–0.91 metres]. Growth from seed is fast during summer. A shallow taproot branches beneath the plant. The pale green stems are fleshy, smooth, and partly clear. A waxy bloom coats their surface. Green, egg-shaped leaves grow in an alternate pattern. Each leaf has a toothed edge and lacks hairs. Drops of dew shine on the leaves, giving jewelweed its name.

Pale yellow flowers hang in small groups of one to three. Some have reddish-brown marks. Each flower has a tube-shaped centre, five petals, and three sepals. Chicago Botanic Garden lists flowering from July through October. The long bloom season adds interest to shaded borders. Flowers draw bumblebees, moths, and ruby-throated hummingbirds. Birds and small mammals eat the large seeds. Ripe seed capsules burst when touched and scatter their contents. This makes seed gathering hard and helps plants spread.

Grow pale jewelweed in moist soil with good drainage. It accepts sand, loam, and clay, including heavy clay. Humus-rich soil and a cool site suit it well. Partial shade is a sound choice for garden planting. Sources also report growth in full shade or full sun. Listed USDA ranges differ: Chicago gives 5–9, while NC State gives 2–10. PFAF reports cold tolerance near 23°F [-5°C]. It also suggests spring sowing for British gardens. The plant suits woodland borders and pond or stream edges.

NC State reports few major pest or disease issues. Its page also lists southern blight and southern bacterial wilt. Plants need little upkeep but may spread through self-seeding. PFAF lists cooked young leaves, shoots, and seeds as edible. It also warns against eating large amounts, so food use needs caution. NC State lists it as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. PFAF records external use of the sap for stings and rashes. These reported uses do not establish that home treatment is safe.