Articles (Blog)
Jewelweed
Posted on August 9, 2017 8:00 AM by Gerry Trout
 
This is Impatiens capensis,  aka Jewelweed or Spotted touch-me-not.  Perfect specimens down by the Chestnut trees, dense stand, right by the creek, about 3 feet tall.  Poison Ivy close by too.
 
Fabulous story to go with it:
 
The sap of the leaves and stems is said to relieve itching from Poison Ivy, and they often grow side by side!   
If you accidentally brush through Poison Ivy, you can crush a handful of Jewelweed and apply it to the affected area, for temporary relief.  Of course, it's best to wash with soap and water as soon as you can.  
 
When I see Spotted Touch-me-not, I look around for Poison Ivy.  The orange flowers are a lot easier to spot than Poison Ivy.  And I NEED to KNOW where IT is:  we are NOT friends!!!
 
Other interesting facts:  hummingbirds, as well as butterflies and bees are attracted to the orange flowers.  And because of its fungicidal qualities, Jewelweed has been used to treat athlete's foot.
 
Oh, wanna see a good example of Poison Ivy?  I took this picture right beside the Jewelweed.
 
 
Careful out stomping around in the woods.  It's everywhere.
 
 
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