Jewel-weed, Touch-me-not, Spotted touch-me-not, Orange flowered jewelweed
Impatiens capensis

Family: Balsaminaceae

What it is like

An annual herb. It grows 50-100 cm high. The leaves are alternate and simple. They are thin and oval and have coarse teeth. They are 2-10 cm long. The flowers are reddish-orange or yellow. They have purple spots. The flowers are about 2 cm long. They have 2 small greenish sepals and 1 orange sepal forming a pouch with a long spur. The fruit is a green pod. It splits open along 5 valves when mature. This pod splits open suddenly when touched.

There are about 850 Impatiens species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in shady places in poplar woods. It is best in moist places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Britain, Canada, Europe, Finland, France, Netherlands, North America, Poland, Scandinavia, Sweden, USA (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The leaves and stems are boiled and eaten. The very young succulent stems are cut up and cooked like green beans. They are served with cream sauce. Caution: It can contain oxalates.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds, stems, caution

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Impatiens biflora Walter; Impatiens fulva Nutt.;