A week ago Sunday, we joined Steve Hiltner, the Natural Resources Manager of Friends of Princeton Open Space. on one of his Princeton Wildflower tours. This one was along the Delaware and Raritan Canal towpath. It was quite interesting to learn a bit about flowers, trees, and other plants that we have passed by often, most of the time not even noticing them. The flower in the photo is jewelweed. Steve demonstrated how, via coiled springs, the seed pods pop when touched - a great demo for kids. After the walk, I did some more reading and found the seeds are edible and the juice of the jewelweed's stem is known to be useful as a skin remedy. Rubbing it on the affected spot stops mosquito bite itching, relieves wasp and bee stings, and is also said to be good for such affections as warts, bruises, fungal skin infections, nettle stings, minor burns, cuts, eczema, acne, sores, and any skin irritations. See Jewelweed (Impatiens species) and other articles on the web for more info.
