This native plant can be found in almost all of the lower 48 states and grows in wetlands, alongside streams, wet ditches, or moist soils in shaded areas.
You can find these flowers blooming in July through early fall. The light and dark orange spotted flowers of orange jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Each plant produces multiple flowers.
Wildlife Value of Jewelweed
Jewelweed leaves and stems are food for several moth caterpillars, bobwhite quail, mice, and deer.
About Jewelweed
Jewelweed can grow to 5 feet tall and is an annual, but it will readily reseed itself. It grows best in part to full shade in soil that stays moist. It can even withstand flooded soil for a few weeks.
Another common name of this plant is spotted touch-me-not. It gets this name from its exploding seedpods. When the seeds are ripe, the pods will explode when touched, sending seeds to scatter. This helps the plant spread its seeds into open areas.
The liquid from the stems of jewelweed has been used to treat the skin rash caused by poison ivy. However, the berries may be toxic to humans, especially to children.
See a range map: http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=IMCA
