Jewelweed

A prolific and common plant in NE Minnesota. Jewelweed grows in moist and partial shade areas. It can be found around marshes and bogs and in disturbed areas like ditches and roadways. Plant height is between 2 and 5 feet and blooms from July to September. The name comes from the way the dew beads on the leaves. Seedpods explode open when ripe and touched, shooting the seed. Jewelweed is an important summer vegetation, less preferred than berries and hazelnuts, but it can sustain back bears in years when berries and hazelnuts are scarce.