Orange Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)
Impatiens capensis, commonly known as Orange Jewelweed, is a native annual wildflower found in moist woodlands, streambanks, marshes, and shady lowlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in rich, consistently moist soils and prefers partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for woodland edges, wetland buffers, and rain gardens.
This plant typically grows 2 to 5 feet tall and features soft, succulent stems and oval, toothed leaves with a silvery sheen when wet—hence the name jewelweed. From mid-summer to early fall, it produces distinctive, orange, trumpet-shaped flowers with reddish-brown spots. The blooms hang like little lanterns and are especially attractive to hummingbirds, bumblebees, and butterflies. After flowering, the plant produces seed pods that burst open when touched, a fun and effective seed dispersal method that gives rise to the “touch-me-not” nickname.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Impatiens capensis is a charming and ecologically valuable addition to moist, shady plantings. It provides nectar for pollinators, supports a variety of insects, and has traditional medicinal uses for soothing skin irritation, particularly from poison ivy. It pairs well with native companions like Cardinal Flower, Blue Flag, and ferns in lush, shaded wetland gardens.
Impatiens capensis, commonly known as Orange Jewelweed, is a native annual wildflower found in moist woodlands, streambanks, marshes, and shady lowlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in rich, consistently moist soils and prefers partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for woodland edges, wetland buffers, and rain gardens.
This plant typically grows 2 to 5 feet tall and features soft, succulent stems and oval, toothed leaves with a silvery sheen when wet—hence the name jewelweed. From mid-summer to early fall, it produces distinctive, orange, trumpet-shaped flowers with reddish-brown spots. The blooms hang like little lanterns and are especially attractive to hummingbirds, bumblebees, and butterflies. After flowering, the plant produces seed pods that burst open when touched, a fun and effective seed dispersal method that gives rise to the “touch-me-not” nickname.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Impatiens capensis is a charming and ecologically valuable addition to moist, shady plantings. It provides nectar for pollinators, supports a variety of insects, and has traditional medicinal uses for soothing skin irritation, particularly from poison ivy. It pairs well with native companions like Cardinal Flower, Blue Flag, and ferns in lush, shaded wetland gardens.
Impatiens capensis, commonly known as Orange Jewelweed, is a native annual wildflower found in moist woodlands, streambanks, marshes, and shady lowlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in rich, consistently moist soils and prefers partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for woodland edges, wetland buffers, and rain gardens.
This plant typically grows 2 to 5 feet tall and features soft, succulent stems and oval, toothed leaves with a silvery sheen when wet—hence the name jewelweed. From mid-summer to early fall, it produces distinctive, orange, trumpet-shaped flowers with reddish-brown spots. The blooms hang like little lanterns and are especially attractive to hummingbirds, bumblebees, and butterflies. After flowering, the plant produces seed pods that burst open when touched, a fun and effective seed dispersal method that gives rise to the “touch-me-not” nickname.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Impatiens capensis is a charming and ecologically valuable addition to moist, shady plantings. It provides nectar for pollinators, supports a variety of insects, and has traditional medicinal uses for soothing skin irritation, particularly from poison ivy. It pairs well with native companions like Cardinal Flower, Blue Flag, and ferns in lush, shaded wetland gardens.
Bloom: mid-summer to early fall
Habitats: edges of woodland paths; openings in moist woodlands; partially or lightly-shaded floodplains along rivers; roadside ditches; seeps and fens
Lifespan: annual
Moisture: wet to moist
Plant type (height): forb (2 to 5 feet)
Requirements: light shade to partial sun
Soil: fertile soil with an abundance of organic material