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Spotted Jewelweed

Impatiens capensis

CommonPlant
Illustration of Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)

Spotted Jewelweed is a moisture-loving annual wildflower of forest edges and stream corridors whose orange-spotted flowers look like little cornucopias. Its ripe seed capsules explode at the slightest touch, shooting seeds several feet away—a behavior that delights both children and naturalists. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are its primary pollinators.

Habitat
Moist forest edges, stream banks, and shaded wetland margins
Diet
Primary nectar source for ruby-throated hummingbirds; also visited by bumblebees
How common
Common

Best time to see a Spotted Jewelweed

The best time to see a Spotted Jewelweed is August–September, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 88,404 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Spotted Jewelweed sightings near you

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