Balfour's touch-me-not
(Impatiens balfourii)
Herbaceous annual ornamental with showy pink flowers and pods that eject seeds upon maturation.
Overview
Other names for this plant include:- Common names: Poor man’s orchid, Kashmir balsam
- Scientific names: None.
- Invades upland forests, wetlands, grasslands, marshes, stream edges.
- Rapidly reproduces by seed.
- Plants are deer resistant, increasing browse pressures on surrounding desirable vegetation.
Classification in Wisconsin: Restricted
Species Assessment Groups (SAG) were assembled to recommend a legal classification for each species considered for NR 40. The recommendation for Balfour's touch-me-not was based upon this literature review [PDF] developed by the department.
Identification
Leaves & stems: Leaves simple, ovate-oblong, acuminate leaf apex (long leaf tip) with serrated margins.
Flowers: Showy, distinct pinkish-purple flowers. Flowers petals are fused to form hood and twin lips, and a large spur. 4-8 flowers occur individually on long, erect pedicels (stalks).
Fruits & seeds: Mature capsules eject seeds when touched. Prolific self-seeder. Seed viability is around 18 months.
Roots: Fibrous root systems.
Similar species: Resembles other Impatiens spp. flowers and seed pods.
Control
Mechanical:- Keep plants from going to seed.
- Cut or mow plants while in flower, prior to seed maturation.
- Herbicides for control of this species are being explored. 2,4-D has provided effective control of other Impatiens spp.
Photos
View pictures of Balfour's touch-me-not in our photo gallery!