Impatiens
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Impatiens is a genus of about 800-900 species of flowering plants in the family Balsaminaceae. The genus has a wide distribution throughout the northern hemisphere and tropics. They produce flowers from early summer until the first frost; tropical species can flower all year. They can exist both in, and out, of direct sunlight.Common names in North America include impatiens, jewelweed, touch-me-not, snapweed and patience.
Major common names for one or more species include balsam, jewelweed and busy lizzie.
Most Impatiens species are annual or perennial herbs with succulent stems. Only a few woody species exist. Plant size varies dependent of the species from five centimeters to 2.5 meters. Stems are often rooting when becoming in contact with the soil. The leaves are entire, often dentate or sinuate with extra floral nectaries. Dependent on the species leaves can be thin to succulent. Particularly on the underside of the leaves, tiny air bubbles are trapped over and under the leaf surface, giving them a silvery sheen that becomes pronounced when they are held underwater.
North American impatiens have been used as herbal remedies for the treatment of bee stings, insect bites, and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) rashes. They are also used after poison ivy contact to prevent a rash from developing.
Garden cultivars include
- Accent Stars
- Confection
- Blackberry Ice
- Eclipse
- Elfin White
- Extra Dwarf
- Lipstick
- Red Star
- Super Elfin
- Tempo Series
- Wink and Blink