Toronto's native jewelweed found thriving in shaded, wet woodland edges
iNaturalist: cheriedaly
Urban Ecology
Common jewelweed growing near Toronto's shaded, wet edges is worth knowing: its sap is a traditional remedy for poison ivy rash, and spotting it means you're likely near a healthy, moist woodland microhabitat worth exploring.
Common jewelweed, a native wildflower with dangling orange blooms, was spotted and confirmed in Toronto. It loves shady, wet spots like stream banks and woodland edges. Its seed pods pop open when touched, which makes it a fun find for anyone curious about plants.
Key Findings
1
Research-grade observation confirmed common jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) present in Toronto
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Observation meets iNaturalist's research-grade threshold, requiring agreement from multiple identifiers
3
Adds a georeferenced occurrence record to citizen-science biodiversity data for urban Ontario
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Technical Summary
A research-grade observation of common jewelweed was recorded in Toronto, adding a verified data point to its known range in urban Ontario.
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Original paper
common jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) observed in Toronto
Research-grade observation of common jewelweed in Toronto.
Impatiens capensis, the orange jewelweed, common jewelweed, spotted jewelweed, jewelweed, spotted touch-me-not, or orange balsam, is an annual plant in the family Balsaminaceae that is native to North America. It is common in bottomland soils, ditches, and along creeks, often growing side by sid...
