Yellow Jewelweed Impatiens pallida

Yellow Jewelweed is a colorful annual wildflower often found uncultivated along roadsides, in moist forests, and along streambanks and bogs. As a mature plant in the summer, it will reach a height of 5 feet and a width of 2 to 3 feet. This plant has seed capsules that spring open as the seed ripens and ejecting the seed a considerable distance. These capsules are sensitive to touch and make seed collection difficult but fun, especially for young gardeners. The root system consists of a shallow branching taproot.Yellow Jewelweed has attractive foliage and is noted for its large interesting flowers that bloom over an extended period of time. The genus name comes from the Latin impatiens meaning impatient and refers to the violent seed discharge from the ripe pods. Dew often beads up on the leaves forming sparkling droplets, thus the common name jewelweed.

Yellow Jewelweed can grow in well-drained, moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soils and prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. It can grow in semi-shade or full sun. The plant prefers partial sun and soil that is mucky. Yellow Jewelweed tolerates dry conditions better than most impatiens species and grows rapidly from seed during the summer.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:

No known insect or disease problems. Can self-seed and spread.