Jewel Weed

Jewel weed has got to be one of the most beautiful wildflowers in the fall (and summer).  You can find them on the bank of any creek in the east 

Jewel Weed or Touch-me-not (Impatiens capensis)

They not only have an interesting flower, but also an interesting seed pod.  That's where the "Touch-me-not" name comes in.  If you lightly squeeze the seed pod, it explodes!  I recently learned that the seeds taste like walnuts. 

Seed pod before explosion

Seed pod after explosion

Not only is the flower beautiful and the seed pods explosive, but the leaves are awesome too!  I tried and tried to get a good picture of one to show how amazing they are, but none quite did it justice.  Here is the best one.

Jewel Weed Leaf

This is what the plant is named for, the underside of the leaves turn silver underwater!  Its very reflective, which is probably why my pictures don't really do it justice.  You will just have to find a Jewel Weed and try it out yourself!  The leaf is very water resistant, so water will form a film over a pocket of air, making a silver-like reflective surface. 

Jewel Weed is an amazing plant for one more reason, its supposed to help combat poison ivy rash if you rub the leaves on your skin after being exposed to poison ivy.  Just one more reason to love this beautiful/tasty/interesting plant!