Spotted Jewelweed
| Additional Flower Resources Flower Power Hummingbird Plants Pictures of Hummingbirds |
It is a showy flowering plant, found near ponds and other wetlands across much of the United States, except for the Southwest.
Look, but do not touch, often explains the other half of the plant's story, because it is also called a touch-me-not flower. The plant's seed pods pop whenever they are approached by humans, animals or birds.
Jewelweed is also celebrated as a natural treatment for skin rashes caused by poison ivy and mosquito bites. There is not much scientific literature to support the claims, however, breaking open a stem and spreading the juice on a bite or rash will not exacerbate the problem.
Regardless of the plant's medicinal value, it is still a fun and fine looking flowering plant. It also attracts hummingbirds.
© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels