How to identify Yellow jewelweed (Impatiens pallida)

How to identify Yellow jewelweed (Impatiens pallida)

Yellow jewelweed, also known as Pale snapweed, Pale jewelweed

Yellow jewelweed is a vibrant annual wildflower that grows to approximately 5 feet (1.5 m) in height and spreads 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) wide. It exhibits a shallow branching taproot system. The plant is distinguished by its sizeable, colorful blossoms which persist for a lengthy bloom period. The foliage of yellow jewelweed is appealing, and the leaves sometimes display sparkling water droplets. Notably, its seed capsules explosively release seeds when ripe, a result of the pods' sensitivity to touch.

Lifespan: Annual

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Yellow jewelweed

Vibrant annual reaching 5 feet (1.5 m) tall and 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) wide.

Seed capsules explosively release seeds when touched, aiding dispersal.

Pale yellow flowers with reddish-brown splotches in racemes of 1-3.

Ovate, hairless leaves with slender petioles, 4 inches (10 cm) long.

Succulent stems, light green, with glaucous coating, up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall.

Detailed Traits of Yellow jewelweed

Leaf Features

The leaves of yellow jewelweed are ovate, measuring about 4 inches (10 cm) in length and 2 inches (5 cm) in width. They are hairless and feature slender petioles that can reach up to 2 inches (5 cm) long. The leaves exhibit a smooth texture and are medium to dark green in color with a prominent vein pattern. These characteristics, such as the hairlessness and the distinct slender petioles, are key identifiers of yellow jewelweed.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of yellow jewelweed are nodding and pale yellow, sometimes marked with reddish-brown splotches. They grow in racemes of 1 to 3 flowers. Each tubular flower is about 1 to 1½ inches long (2.5 to 3.8 cm), featuring 5 petals and 3 sepals. The reproductive organs are enclosed within a yellow or cream-colored corolla, which emits no notable scent. Blooming typically occurs in late summer, providing a distinctive feature for identification.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stems of yellow jewelweed are succulent, translucent, and light green in color. They exhibit a glabrous (smooth) texture and a glaucous (waxy) coating. These stems are generally medium in thickness, contributing to the plant's distinctive appearance. The branching pattern is often sparse, with singular stems extending from the base. Despite their delicate look, the stems are sturdy, providing structural support for the plant. Typical stem dimensions can reach up to 2 feet (60 cm) in length.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of yellow jewelweed is a capsule that is notably touch-sensitive. When mature, these capsules spontaneously spring open upon disturbance, propelling seeds outward to aid in species dispersal. These elongated capsules are typically green to tan in color, with a somewhat bumpy texture due to the embedded seeds. After the slightest touch, they are triggered to eject the seeds, sending them several feet (or a few meters) away from the parent plant. This unique feature aids in the wide distribution of its offspring.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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