Jewelweed, also known as Touch-Me-Not, is a common annual plant found throughout North America, recognized for its traditional uses. Historically, its sap has been used to soothe skin irritations. This includes discomfort from poison ivy, stinging nettles, insect bites, and other rashes.
Identifying Jewelweed for Harvesting
Accurate identification is important before harvesting any wild plant. Two primary species, Impatiens capensis (Spotted Jewelweed) and Impatiens pallida (Pale Jewelweed), are common in North America. Impatiens capensis displays vibrant orange to orange-yellow flowers, often with reddish-brown spots, while Impatiens pallida features pale yellow flowers. Both species produce distinctive, roughly one-inch-long flowers with a hooked, conical spur at the back.
Jewelweed stems are smooth, translucent, and succulent, often appearing pale green to reddish-green. They are somewhat fragile and can grow between 2 to 5 feet tall, or even up to 6 feet for Impatiens pallida. The leaves are oval or ovate, bluish-green, with shallow, rounded teeth along their margins. Water beads on their surface like jewels. The plant’s seed pods are elongated capsules that burst open with the slightest touch, dispersing seeds.
Best Practices for Harvesting Jewelweed
When to Harvest
The optimal time for harvesting jewelweed extends from late spring through summer, until the first frost. While the plant can be harvested during its flowering period, harvesting before extensive flowering may yield maximum juice content. Jewelweed wilts and dies once temperatures fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Parts to Harvest
For topical applications, the aerial parts of the jewelweed plant are used, including the leaves, stems, and flowers. The succulent stems and leaves are valued for their sap, which contains compounds that soothe skin irritations. While flowers are also collected, the stem and leaves hold the most beneficial properties.
Harvesting Techniques and Tools
When harvesting, cut the plant cleanly above a leaf node, low on the fleshy stem. This technique allows the plant to regenerate and produce new growth. Simple tools like scissors or pruning shears are suitable for cutting the plant material.
Sustainable Harvesting
Practicing sustainable harvesting ensures the continued presence of jewelweed in its natural habitat. Avoid harvesting an entire patch or pulling up whole plants by their roots. Instead, leave at least three-quarters of the plant material behind to allow for regrowth and reproduction. This approach supports the plant’s natural cycle and prevents over-harvesting.
Processing and Storing Jewelweed
Cleaning and Preparation
After harvesting, clean the jewelweed material by rinsing off any dirt or insects. Wearing gloves and an apron can help prevent staining, as the plant’s juice is orange. The cleaned plant material can then be chopped into smaller pieces to facilitate processing.
Methods for Preservation
Jewelweed is most effective when used fresh, but several methods allow for preservation. One method involves pureeing fresh plant material with water, straining, and freezing the juice in ice cube trays. These frozen cubes can be stored for months or rubbed directly onto affected areas.
Another method is creating a jewelweed-infused vinegar by soaking chopped plant material in apple cider vinegar for two to three weeks. This infusion, stored in a cool, dark place, can last about a year. Tinctures can also be made by infusing chopped jewelweed in alcohol, such as witch hazel, for several weeks. While drying jewelweed is possible, its potency is reduced compared to fresh or frozen preparations.
Safe Storage Guidelines
Proper storage maintains potency and prevents spoilage. Freshly prepared juice or pureed jewelweed frozen in ice cubes should be stored in airtight containers or bags in the freezer for up to a year. Jewelweed-infused vinegars and tinctures should be kept in clean, airtight glass jars in a cool, dark location. Refrigeration can extend the life of fresh jewelweed for a few weeks, especially if stems are placed in water, changed regularly.