Other common names:
Pale Jewelweed, Pale Snapweed Other scientific names: Impatiens aurea French names:
Impatiente pâle Family: Touch-me-not Family (Balsaminaceae) Similar species: •
Spotted Touch-me-not (Impatiens capensis) - Orange flowers. Flowers: Summer, Autumn; Yellow; Irregular flowers Leaves: Alternate Height:
60-150 cm (23-59 in) Habitat: Forests, Wet Areas Books: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 54 Native/Non-native:
Native Notes:
The name refers to the tendency of the ripe seed pods to suddenly explode when touched.
For more information visit: Ontario Wildflowers Photographs:
155 photographs available, of which 11 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.
Range Map is at the bottom of the page
The Pale Touch-me-not flower is rather unique.
Front view.
Photograph by Graham Buck
Pale Touch-me-not plants.
Rarely the flowers are whitish.
The spring-loaded seed pod gives this species one of its common names, Touch-me-Not. A simple touch on a ripe seed pod is enough to make it explode, throwing the seeds some distance away.
Seeds and the remnants of the seed pod.
Pale Touch-me-not stems are partly transluscent.
The juice from the stems counteracts itchiness, and thus is a good antidote for mosquito bites and perhaps even Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii).
A Pale Touch-me-not leaf with dew drops, showing why it is sometimes called Jewelweed.
PLEASE NOTE: A coloured Province or State means this species occurs somewhere in that Province/State.
The entire Province/State is coloured, regardless of where in that Province/State it occurs.
(Range map provided courtesy of the USDA website
and is displayed here in accordance with their
Policies)
If you enjoyed this website you might also enjoy these other websites in the Wildwood Canada group
