What You Should Know About Jewelweed

Jewelweed - also well-known as impatiens - grows throughout the Northern Hemisphere and regions of the tropics. The majority of the species will grow annually and develop flowers during the early summer and until the start of frost. The perennial species might be found growing in the moderate climates and will grow flowers throughout the whole year.

Most of them will develop as tall as three feet - but a couple have been known to get as high as seven feet tall. The leaves are glossy and have a thick, water repellent cuticula that is on the upper side that makes them feel greasy. Below the leaves you can find tiny air bubbles that gives it a glossy sheen. The flowers produce to be about one inch long with a shoe or horn shaped spur attached to it.

The plant was given its common name - impatiens - because of the seed capsules. When the capsules mature they will burst into the air when they have been touched. This will send the seeds a few inches away. This is referred to as the rapid plant movement.

Each species has distinct properties and intentions that they are used for. A couple are utilized strictly for ornamental intentions while some others for medicinal. Some have been utilized to produce insecticidal soap. These are all natural and are therefore better to utilize and better for the environment.

The species found in North American are more commonly known for treating bee stings, insect bites, and the poison ivy rash. When anyone has touched the poison ivy they will immediately search for the Jewelweed plant because it is ordinarily growing nearby. The plant can be turned into a salve or the juices from the plant might be squeezed directly on the rash.

Obviously the best way to care for the rash is to get it directly from the plant - but this is not always possible. The spotted Jewelweed is the best plant to get it from because it is the strongest.