Impatiens capensis Jewelweed (Balsaminaceae)

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Impatiens capensis
Jewelweed
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The Impatiens capensis plant species is found in N. America - Newfoundland to Saskatchewan. Naturalized in Britain. It is a member of the Balsaminaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Jewelweed. Some home gardeners know the variety as I. biflora. I. fulva.

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Latin Name:  Impatiens capensis
Common Name:  Jewelweed
Family:  Balsaminaceae
Author:  Meerb.

Known Hazards:  Regular ingestion of large quantities of these plants can be dangerous due to their high mineral content[172]. This report, which seems nonsensical, might refer to calcium oxalate. This mineral is found in I. capensis and so is probably also in other members of the genus. It can be harmful raw but is destroyed by thoroughly cooking or drying the plant[K]. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones and hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet[238].

Mature Height:  1.2   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Along the banks of rivers and canals[5], also in low-lying moist woodlands, avoiding acid soils[62].

Medicinal Information: Jewelweed was commonly used as a medicinal herb by a number of native North American Indian tribes[257], and has been widely used in domestic medicine. Its main value lies in its external application for wounds and a range of skin complaints. However, it is little used in modern herbalism and is considered to be dangerous and 'wholly questionable' when used internally[4]. The herb is antidote, cathartic, diuretic and emetic[4, 172, 207, 213]. An infusion has been used in the treatment of fevers, difficult urination, measles, stomach cramps, jaundice etc[257]. The juice of the leaves is used externally in the treatment of piles, fungal dermatitis, nettle stings, poison ivy rash, burns etc[4, 172, 207, 213, 257]. The sap is used to remove warts[207]. A poultice of the leaves is applied to bruises, burns, cuts etc[222].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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