Invasive Species: Impatiens glandulifera, Ornamental Jewelweed
Ornamental jewelweed is an invasive annual. It is a succulent that can grow to be 3 to 10 ft. (0.9 to 3 m) tall. The stems are purple-tinged and hollow with opposite or whorled, elliptical leaves. Leaves are simple, serrate, and 6 in. (15.2 cm) long. Flowering occurs from June to October when white, irregular, solitary flowers appear on axillary stalks. Fruits are five chambered capsules that, when mature, explode when touched. Ornamental jewelweed is native to India and occurs in areas with high soil moisture, such as riparian areas. Plants are partially shade tolerant.
What are invasive species and why should we be concerned about them?
Taxonomy: Scientific and Common Names for This Species
Geraniales > Balsaminaceae > Impatiens glandulifera Royle
Impatiens glandulifera – USDA PLANTS Profile
Distribution Maps
Ornamental jewelweed – The reported distribution of this invasive species across the United States (Source: Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States)
Up-to-the-minute distribution maps and why they are important
Reporting This Invasive Species
What is the best way and place to report the occurrence of an invasive species?
How to report an invasive species sighting to EDDMapS – Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System
EDDMapS – Report an invasive species to EDDMapS.
Cooperative Extension Offices – Find your local Cooperative Extension office on this map provided by USDA.
How to Identify
This invasive species can be identified by looking for the characteristics described in the paragraphs that follow.
Plant
Ornamental jewelweed is a succulent annual than can be 3 to 10 ft. (0.9 to 3 m) tall. The stems are purple-tinged and hollow.
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| Barbara Tokarska-Guzik, University of Silesia, bugwood.org | Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, bugwood.org |
Foliage
The stem’s leaves are opposite or whorled and elliptical. Leaves are simple, serrate, and 6 in. (15.2 cm) long.
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| Barbara Tokarska-Guzik, University of Silesia, bugwood.org | Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, bugwood.org |
Flower
Flowering occurs from June to October when white, irregular, solitary flowers appear on axillary stalks.
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| Barbara Tokarska-Guzik, University of Silesia, bugwood.org | Barbara Tokarska-Guzik, University of Silesia, bugwood.org |
Fruit
Fruits are five-chambered capsules that, when mature, explode when touched.
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| Barbara Tokarska-Guzik, University of Silesia, bugwood.org | Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, bugwood.org |
Native Species That Can Resemble Ornamental Jewelweed
Impatiens capensis, jewelweed – Bugwood.org
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| Rob Routledge, Sault College, bugwood.org | Chris Evans, Illinois Wildlife Action Plan, bugwood.org |
Impatiens pallida, jewelweed – Bugwood.org
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| Chris Evans, Illinois Wildlife Action Plan, bugwood.org | Charles T. Bryson, USDA Agricultural Research Service, bugwood.org |
Additional Images for Ornamental Jewelweed
ornamental jewelweed – Images at Invasive.org
Learning Resources for Ornamental Jewelweed
Impatiens glandulifera Identification Card – US Fish & Wildlife Service
Impatiens glandulifera Fact Sheet – US Fish & Wildlife Service
Additional Information, Biology, Control and Management Resources
Control and management recommendations vary according to individual circumstances. Location, habitat, weather, and a variety of other conditions are factors that help determine the best treatment choice. To find the safest and most effective treatment for your situation, consult your state’s land-grant institution. If you will use chemicals as part of the control process, always refer to the product label.
United States Land-Grant University System – Find your land-grant university’s college of agriculture, Cooperative Extension office, or other related partner on this map provided by USDA.
Global Invasive Species Database – Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)
Invasive Plant Atlas of New England – University of Connecticut
Noxious Weeds – King County, Washington