Jewelweed
Impatiens capensis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) is a native annual wildflower found throughout eastern and central North America, blooming orange flowers from July through September in moist, shaded areas.
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
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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 produces its distinctive orange, spotted flowers from July through September, providing late summer color in woodland gardens.
- What pollinators visit Jewelweed?
- Jewelweed attracts both bees and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich flowers. The flower shape is particularly well-suited for hummingbird feeding.
- Where is Jewelweed native?
- Jewelweed is native to most states east of the Rocky Mountains, from Maine south to Florida and west to North Dakota, Colorado, and Texas.
- What growing conditions does Jewelweed prefer?
- Jewelweed thrives in moist to wet soils and partial to full shade conditions, commonly found along stream banks and in woodland 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