Impatiens pallida Pale jewelweed (Balsaminaceae)

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Impatiens pallida
Pale jewelweed
(1 Page of 5)

The Impatiens pallida plant species is found in Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to Saskatchewan, south to Georgia. It is a member of the Balsaminaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Pale jewelweed.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Impatiens pallida
Common Name:  Pale jewelweed
Family:  Balsaminaceae
Author:  Nutt.

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:  1.5   Mature Width:  0.6

Habitat:  Moist woodland and wet meadows, usually on calcareous soils[43].

Edible Uses: Young leaves and shoots - cooked[62]. Added to sukiyaki, chow mein and other oriental dishes[183]. When used as a vegetable on their own the cooking water should be changed once or twice during the cooking[183]. Some caution is advised, see the notes on toxicity at the top of the record. Seed[62]. No more details are given but the seeds are difficult to harvest in quantity, mainly because of their exploding seed capsules which scatter the ripe seed at the slightest touch[K].

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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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