Impatiens Capensis, also known as Spotted Jewelweed, Spotted Touch-me-not, and Orange touch-me-not, has decided that it likes the conditions in our back yard.
I know it is a weed, but as Eeyore says, “Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them”.
They grow in moist shady areas, in woods, streams and river banks. This year we have a lot of moist areas because of the weather, and they are thriving.
They grow as high as 5 feet, and flower from July to September, so they are perfect in our backyard wildflower area.
Their seedpods open very easily, with just a slight touch. This gives them the name “touch-me-not”. The sap from the stems supposedly relieves itches from poison ivy and insect bites.
