Jewelweed Plant
It is known for its vibrant appearance and unique characteristics and offers various landscaping benefits. Its inclusion can contribute to a garden or outdoor space's overall aesthetic appeal and ecological balance. Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) is an annual wildflower known as orange balsam and spotted touch-me-not. Some say it gets its name from the sparkling dewdrops that line its leaves in the morning, while others contend that the brilliant, red-spotted orange flowers glow like bright jewels. These flowers are also famous for their explosive seed pods, which give the plant the name "touch-me-not."
Native to northern and eastern North America, it starts blooming in June and continues until it succumbs to October frosts. The flower grows naturally in cool, low woodlands and decorates shady stream banks, creek banks, lakesides, and marshes.
The Appearance Of Jewelweed
Orange balsam is a lush green wildflower that grows 3'–5' tall. It branches prolifically and produces a profusion of inch-long, spotted orange blossoms with blood-orange or red markings. Each delicate blossom hangs from its stalk among neighboring flowers. They have two lips, five petals, and three sepals, one of which is a pouch-shaped structure with a nectar spur that curves back under the rest of the flower. The blooms form small clusters that rise above the herb's upper leaves.
The Jewelweed's round green to reddish-grTNeen stems are smooth, succulent, and semi-translucent. Its toothed, spade-shaped, bluish-green leaves are usually about 2½"–3" long and grow alternating on the herb's upper stems.
Jewelweed Is Great In Woodland Gardens
Jewelweed makes a beautiful addition to woodland gardens, shady rain gardens, and pollinator gardens. It's great for ponds, bog gardens, and lowland areas. Although it's an annual, this wildflower tends to return once established.
Pollinators Love Jewelweed Plant
The blossoms attract butterflies and other pollinators. Hummingbirds and bumblebees, the herb's primary pollinators, find nourishment in its sweet nectar and play a significant role in its successful propagation. It is also a food source for moth caterpillars, bobwhite quail, mice, and deer, and it is fond of its stems, leaves, and seeds. If you'd like to add a bright pop of orange to your summer garden, planting it will bring joy to your landscape with its delightful blooms.