Touch-me-not from Amanda, SC

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The plant is about 3 feet tall with a thick, hollow, green stalk. It has branches that have opposite, pinnately veined leaves, which are oblong/ovate in shape. I found it at Lake Conestee, in the understory of a forest that is near a river and bay.

 

Hi Amanda,

 

your plant is jewelweed, also called touch-me-not, Impatiens capensis.  The ripe fruits ‘explode’ when touched, shooting out the seeds.  The stem and foliage juice has been used to soothe poison ivy rashes.

Sincerely,

 

Dr. Steven R. Hill, Botanist, SCNPS

 

 

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