Jewelweed
Impatiens pallida
Last reviewed: June 2026
Impatiens pallida (Jewelweed) is a native annual forb blooming yellow from July through September across eastern and midwestern states. This shade-tolerant plant thrives in moist conditions and attracts bees and hummingbirds.
Jewelweed (Impatiens pallida) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Jewelweed as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
24"–60" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds
Jewelweed is a tall annual wildflower with succulent stems and bright yellow spotted flowers that bloom from summer through fall. It thrives in moist, shaded areas and self-seeds readily, often forming colonies in wet soils. The plant has a somewhat loose, informal growth habit that works well in naturalized gardens.
Growing Jewelweed
Grow Jewelweed in part shade and high water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Jewelweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Tall informal growth appears weedy to many
- Self-seeds aggressively and can spread beyond intended areas
- Dies back messily in fall leaving bare patches
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds and native bees. The plant also serves as a host for several butterfly species and provides seeds for birds in late summer.
Common questions
- When does Jewelweed bloom?
- Impatiens pallida blooms from July through September, producing distinctive yellow flowers that attract pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Jewelweed?
- Jewelweed attracts both bees and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich yellow flowers during the summer blooming period.
- Where is Jewelweed native?
- Impatiens pallida is native to 35 states across the eastern and midwestern United States, from Maine to Georgia and west to North Dakota and Kansas.
- What growing conditions does Jewelweed prefer?
- Jewelweed thrives in partial shade to full shade with consistently moist to wet soil conditions, making it ideal for woodland gardens and stream edges.
- Is Jewelweed toxic to dogs?
- Jewelweed is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Jewelweed toxic to cats?
- Jewelweed is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Jewelweed toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Jewelweed as toxic to livestock.
- Is Jewelweed HOA-friendly?
- Jewelweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Jewelweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz