Pale Touch-me-not

Pale Touch-me-not

Impatiens pallida

Pale Touch-me-not is the lesser known cousin of Jewelweed.  The foliage is quite similar looking, although Pale Touch-me-not's are generally bigger.  The main difference is the flower color, which is yellow in this case versus orange for Jewelweed.

It's called Touch-me-not because the seed pod will burst open when disturbed, shooting its seed out all over the place.  So, if you touch a seed pod that is just ready, it will burst on you.  It's not spectacular and is no reason to not touch it.  In fact it's fun to try it, and to have kids try it.



Pods ready to burst