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pale touch-me-not

Scientific Name: Impatiens pallida

Family: Balsaminaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names: ME (pale jewel-weed)

       

Pale Jewelweed (Impatiens pallida)

Impatiens pallida, commonly known as Pale Jewelweed, Pale Touch-me-not, or Yellow Jewelweed, is a flowering plant found in North America. Other common names include Pale Snapweed, Balsam, Wild Balsam, Silverweed, Slippers, and Quick-in-the-hand.

Considerations for Pets

  • Stems are described as succulent and easily broken, which might make them attractive to animals who like to chew on plants.
  • The plant is known for its seed pods that "pop" or trigger, potentially startling pets.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant's common name "Touch-me-not" refers to the sensitive seed pods that burst open when touched, which could be intriguing for children.
  • The stems are described as succulent and easily broken.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Impatiens pallida Nutt.
  • Family: Balsaminaceae (Touch-me-not Family)
  • Order: Geraniales
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Other Scientific Names: Impatiens aurea

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Canada and the United States.
  • Found throughout New England, particularly western New England.
  • Prefers moist to wet, shaded forests and streamsides.

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • An erect native annual.
  • Grows to 1.5 meters (approximately 5 feet) in height and 0.6 meters (2 feet) in width.
  • Soft-stemmed and somewhat translucent stems that are easily broken and branching occasionally.
  • Annual, hardy to zone (UK) 8.

Floral Characteristics

  • Flowers are lemon yellow with red spots and a short spur at the back.
  • Flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female parts).
  • Funnel-shaped flowers, 1 to 1 inch long.
  • The conical portion of the flower is about as long as it is wide, with a shorter spur.

Ecological Role and Interactions

  • Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

Quirky Facts

  • The common name "Touch-me-not" refers to the explosive release of seeds from the seed pods when touched, a characteristic feature of the Impatiens genus.
  • Juices of this plant is a soothing remedy for skin irritations caused by Poison Ivy and Nettle stings.

Further Resources

  • Dave's Garden: A community for sharing tips and ideas for gardens.
  • Illinois Plant Information Network (ILPIN).