pale touch-me-not

plant

Also known as: Impatiens pallida, pale snapweed

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July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

The pale touch-me-not (Impatiens pallida) is a plant native to North America, often found in moist areas. It is characterized by its tall, branching growth and glaucous or blue-green foliage. The flowers are typically yellow and may have reddish-brown spots.123

The name "touch-me-not" comes from the plant's seedpods, which burst and scatter seeds when touched. This characteristic is shared with other plants in the Impatiens genus, which means "impatient". While the pale touch-me-not has yellow flowers, another common variety, spotted jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), has orange flowers spotted with red or brown.12

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Impatiens
capensis) and pale touch-me-not (or pale snapweed, I. pallida) are common weeds native to extensive regions of eastern North America. Spotted jewelweed grows up to 150 cm (59 inches) tall and bears orange flowers spotted with red or brown, while pale touch-me-not has larger, yellower flowers. The…
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capensis) and pale touch-me-not (or pale snapweed, I. pallida) are common weeds native to extensive regions of eastern North America. Spotted jewelweed grows up to 150 cm (59 inches) tall and bears orange flowers spotted with red or brown, while pale touch-me-not has larger, yellower flowers. The…
Read More