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Jewelweed Facts

Jewelweed Facts
Jewelweed is a type of herbaceous plant that belongs to the balsam family. There are hundreds of species of jewelweed that can be found in temperate and tropical parts of North hemisphere. Jewelweed grows on the fertile, moist soil, exposed to direct sun or in the partial shade, depending on the species. It can be found near the rivers, swamps, woodlands, edges of the forests and areas near the roads. Jewelweed grows quickly and easily conquers new habitats. It is classified as invasive species in some areas. People cultivate jewelweed in ornamental and medicinal purposes.
Interesting Jewelweed Facts:
Jewelweed has light green, transparent stem that can reach 5 feet in height. This plant often grows in large groups, usually near the poison ivy.
Jewelweed has large, bright green, glossy leaves that are greasy on touch. Bottom side of the leaves is covered with tiny air bubbles that create silvery appearance. Leaves are broad and lanceolate, alternately arranged on the stem.
Jewelweed produces orange colored flowers composed of five petals that are fused at the base. Each flower has horn-like appendage. Flowers are covered with numerous dark-orange or red spots.
Jewelweed blooms from June to October (depending on the geographic region). Flowers grow from the axils of leaves, arranged in drooping clusters. They contain both types of reproductive organs (bisexual).
Orange-colored spots and nectar attract honeybees, bumblebees, hummingbirds and various butterflies, which are responsible for the pollination of this plant.
Fruit of jewelweed is green, swollen capsule filled with numerous rounded seed.
Jewelweed propagates via seed.
Seed of jewelweed is important source of food for the white-footed mice and northern bobwhite.
Name "jewelweed" refers to the fact that rain collected on the leaves form miniature, shiny, jewel-like drops due to water-repellent texture of the leaves.
Jewelweed is also known as "touch-me-not" and "impatience" due to the fact that even the slightest touch of the ripe fruit triggers explosion of the pods and spreading of seed 4 to 8 feet away from the mother plant.
Jewelweed contains chemicals that are useful in treatment of poison ivy rash, skin burns, insect bites and hives. It also contains antimicrobial compounds that can be used in treatment of athlete's foot (type of fungal disease).
Sap of jewelweed can be applied directly to the injured spot, or used in the form of poultices (made of leaves) and tea (oral application may induce diarrhea and vomiting).
Native Americans used jewelweed as a source of yellow and orange pigments.
Petals of jewelweed, rose and orchids mixed with alum were used for the preparation of red or pink-colored nail polish in the Ancient China.
Most species of jewelweeds are annual plants which mean that they complete their life cycle in one year.


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