When does jewelweed bloom?

Jewelweed typically flowers from July through September, producing small orange blossoms along its stems.

What pollinators visit jewelweed?

Bees and hummingbirds are the main visitors to jewelweed, attracted to its orange, spurred, nectar rich flowers.

How much water does jewelweed need?

Jewelweed prefers consistently moist to wet soil and is commonly found near streams, seeps, and low, damp woodland areas.

What growing conditions suit jewelweed best?

Jewelweed grows best in part shade with rich, moist soil, though it can tolerate fuller shade or brief sun near reliable moisture.

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.

Jewelweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Impatiens capensis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Impatiens capensis, or jewelweed, is a moisture loving forb that blooms orange from July through September in part shade along streams, wetlands and woodland edges across much of the eastern and central United States.

Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) 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, CO, CT and 34 more states

Pollinators

bees, hummingbirds

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

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Jewelweed is a native annual wildflower that thrives in moist, shaded areas with bright orange spotted flowers from summer through fall. This fast-growing plant can reach up to 5 feet tall and readily self-seeds in favorable conditions. It's particularly well-suited for wet spots where other plants struggle.

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 low 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: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Can appear weedy and uncontrolled due to fast growth
Self-seeds aggressively and may spread beyond intended areas
Tall informal growth habit lacks structured appearance

Wildlife value

The tubular orange flowers are especially attractive to hummingbirds and also provide nectar for various bee species. Seeds are eaten by birds, and the plant serves as a host for several butterfly caterpillars.

Common questions

When does jewelweed bloom?: Jewelweed typically flowers from July through September, producing small orange blossoms along its stems.
What pollinators visit jewelweed?: Bees and hummingbirds are the main visitors to jewelweed, attracted to its orange, spurred, nectar rich flowers.
How much water does jewelweed need?: Jewelweed prefers consistently moist to wet soil and is commonly found near streams, seeps, and low, damp woodland areas.
What growing conditions suit jewelweed best?: Jewelweed grows best in part shade with rich, moist soil, though it can tolerate fuller shade or brief sun near reliable moisture.
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.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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