Pale Touch-Me-Not
Impatiens pallida
- Native to:
- Canada, United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © mdovciak (iNaturalist #57946355)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Balsaminaceae
- Genus:
- Impatiens
- Species:
- Impatiens pallida
- USDA Symbol:
- IMPA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Common eastern (Bombus impatiens) Hummingbirds: Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- hummingbirds, bees
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, moist, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers shaded areas in woodlands
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days; sow in fall or stratify artificially.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)