jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)
native
picture taken in june
jewelweed, also called spotted touch-me-not and snapweed, is a fun summertime friend! at their ripest, its little seedpods explode at the slightest brush with an audible pop. when they're a little less ripe you can gently pop them between your fingers. it's very satisfying.
jewelweed grows in dense stands in wet soil, usually by ponds or wetlands or in a shady damp forest. the plants grow very quickly every summer, and wilt quickly as well if they don't like the weather (relatable).
these plants are on the delicate side, and when their stems break you'll find they're very juicy! similar to aloe, actually, in terms of texture and appearance. the juice "is said" to alleviate itching from poison ivy, although i'm not sure if it actually does or if it's just a sort of pleasant goo.
its bright orange flowers - which look similar to snapdragons - are visited by hummingbirds, bees, and hawkmoths! apparently deer love eating it, also.
jewelweed blooms from june through september and produces its delightful seedpods after that!