Impatiens balsamina
Family: Balsamaceae
Annual. The fleshy stems bear masses of highly decorative purple
and lavender flowers which remain comely throughout the summer. Entire
plant loaded with healing mucilage. Crushed, it makes an emollient
poultice or rub-down for treating poison ivy rash or burns. This is an
easy-to-grow substitute for Jewelweed. In E. India, the flowers are used
as a substitute for Henna, to dye fingernails. Cultivation:
Easy. Direct seed in mid spring in good garden soil. Average germ
time 10 days. Space plants 1 foot apart. Grows 2 to 3 feet
tall.
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