Impatiens capensis
Impatiens = impatient, referring to the seed pods bursting open when ripe
capensis = of the cape
| Scientific Name: | Impatiens capensis |
| Synonym: | |
| Family: | Balsaminiaceae |
| Common Name: | Jewelweed, Spotted Touch-me-not |
| Authority: | Meerb. |
| Etymology: | Impatiens = impatient, referring to the seed pods bursting open when ripe capensis = of the cape |
| C Value: | 2 |
| Wetness: | FACW |
| # of Species in Genus in Illinois: | 3 |
| Duration: | Annual |
| Reproduction: | Monoecious |
| Flower Type: | Perfect |
| Flower Shape: | |
| Flower # of Parts: | |
| Flower Color: | Orange |
| Growth Habit: | Forb |
| Leaf Arrangement: | Alternate |
| Leaf Type: | Simple |
| Leaf Shape: | |
| Leaf Shape Term: | |
| Leaf Margin: | Toothed |
| Leaf Toothing: | crenate |
| Stem Surface: | |
| Trunk/Bark: | |
| Armature: | |
| Twig Characteristics: | |
| Habitat: | |
| Distribution: | BONAP Distribution Map |
| Status (State): | Not Listed |
| Status (Federal): | Not Listed |
| ID Tips: | This species is very similar to yellow jewelweed (Impatiens pallida) vegetatively. Orange jewelweed typically has more than 9 teeth on one side of a leaf and yellow jewelweed typically has less than 9 teeth per side. |
| Gee Whiz: | Called Jewelweed because the leaves have a metallic sheen was submerged in water. Also called Touch-me-not for the seed pods that burst open when ripe. |
| Humor: | |
| More Info: | Illinois Wildflowers Search |