Impatiens pallida

Impatiens pallida

Yellow Jewelweed

Impatiens pallida, commonly known as the pale touch-me-not or pale jewelweed, is a species of flowering plant in the family Balsaminaceae. It is native to North America and is typically found in moist, shaded environments such as wetlands, stream banks, and forest understories.

Description

Impatiens pallida is an annual herbaceous plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. The stems are succulent and translucent, often with a reddish tinge. The leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate with toothed margins. They are typically 3-12 cm long and 2-6 cm wide.

The flowers of Impatiens pallida are pale yellow, sometimes with reddish spots on the inside. They are bilaterally symmetrical and have a distinctive spur at the back. The flowers are about 2-3 cm long and bloom from late spring to early fall. The plant produces small, explosive seed capsules that burst when touched, hence the name "touch-me-not."

Habitat and Distribution

Impatiens pallida is commonly found in wetlands, along stream banks, and in forest understories. It prefers moist, shaded environments and can often be found growing alongside its close relative, Impatiens capensis (spotted touch-me-not).

Ecology

Impatiens pallida plays a significant role in its ecosystem. It provides nectar for a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The plant's explosive seed dispersal mechanism helps it to colonize new areas rapidly.

Uses

While Impatiens pallida is not widely used in traditional medicine, it has been noted for its potential to relieve skin irritations, such as those caused by poison ivy. The juice from the stem and leaves can be applied to the skin to reduce itching and inflammation.

Related Species

• Impatiens capensis - Spotted touch-me-not
• Impatiens glandulifera - Himalayan balsam
• Impatiens balsamina - Garden balsam

See Also

• Balsaminaceae
• Wetland plants
• Pollination