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| Jewelweed Growing Along a Creek |
Jewelweed, Impatiens capensis, is a useful plant to have growing nearby this time of year. Though
misnamed originally as coming from the Cape of Good Hope, Jewelweed is native
to North America and found almost everywhere. It is sometimes called
Touch-Me-Not. It can be found during the summer along stream beds and in other
low-lying areas, blooming with brilliant orange flowers.
The plants are not considered ornamental, being
rather tall and leggy looking, so they are seldom planted in beds. Some people
find the flowers attractive enough to cultivate the plants. If you have a small
creek running through your property or even a ditch, they propagate easily from
seed. They grow to 3 to 5 feet tall under good conditions.
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| Brilliant Orange Flowers |
Jewelweed has been used in native cultures to treat
skin rashes and irritation; it can clear up poison ivy quickly. Crush the
leaves and stems and apply the gelatinous mess to the affected area as soon as
possible after exposure. If the skin has already broken out, a poultice made
from the crushed plant may be beneficial. It can also made into a tea and used
to bathe the inflamed areas. Its antifungal properties have also led to it being
used to treat athlete’s foot
The bright orange flowers are attractive to
hummingbirds and bees. Be careful, a small planting can grow quickly from
widespread seeds. The name Touch-Me-Not comes from the way the seed pods
explode, shooting seed everywhere if touched. If you are prone to poison ivy
issues, you might want to keep an eye out for some Jewelweed growing nearby.
