Western Jewelweed (Impatiens occidentalis)

Family: Balsaminaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Impatiens occidentalis is a ANNUAL. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young shoots - cooked in one change of water. See the notes above on toxicity. Seed - raw or cooked. — Young shoots - cooked in one change of water.; See the notes above on toxicity.; Seed - raw or cooked.; They are tedious to collect in quantity, mainly because of their exploding seed capsules which scatter the ripe seed at the slightest touch.

Habitat & North American Range

Moist woods. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)