Orange Jewelweed
Impatiens capensis
41.5989, -73.4214
Field Notes
Description:
Tall plant (3-5 feet) with pendent orange flowers that are splotched with reddish-brown. The flowers have a three-lobed corolla, and one of the calyx lobes forms a hooked conical spur at the back of the flower. The stems are somewhat translucent. The seed pods are pendant and have projectile seeds that explode out of the pods when they are lightly touched or if ripe, hence the name 'touch-me-not'.
Habitat:
Along a wooded path adjacent to a meadow at Pratt Nature Center
Notes:
Juice from the stem may have a potential use to relieve itching from poison ivy and has also been used to treat athletes foot.
If ingested, berries can be toxic to humans, especially children.
Reference Links:
Impatiens capensis
Species ID Suggestions
Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedJuly 16, 2016
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