Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)

Jewelweed also called Orange Jewelweed, Common Jewelweed, Spotted Jewelweed, or Spotted Touch-me-not is an annual woodland plant native to North America. Although it is naturally found in moist woodlands, I have seen in it growing in partial sun to full sun in areas of ecological restoration. I have noticed that they are a lot smaller when exposed to full sun or even partial sun, so I am not exactly sure why some restoration ecologists have chosen that habitat for them. It is called Jewelweed because when exposed to the sun, the flower sparkles and the stems appear translucent. Some interesting facts about this plant are that the mature seed pods explode when touched (hence, Spotted-Touch-me-not) and this plant is used as an antidote for poison ivy and nettle rashes. You will never confuse this with another plant because it is unique in appearance and the only other plant that resembles this is Impatiens pallida which has yellow flowers. (Photo taken near Cranberry Slough in Cook County Forest Preserves)