Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Family:
Balsaminaceae (Balsam)
Maximum Size:
60 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, meadows, parks, riverbanks, riversides, roadsides, wasteland, waterside, wetland, woodland.
Small Balsam features delicate pale yellow blossoms with a distinctive spurred shape. These flowers, native to the UK, thrive in damp woodland areas, showcasing their charming allure along riverbanks and streamsides. 5 stamens. Pollinated by insects.
Fruit:
The fruit of Small Balsam, native to the UK, is a small, elongated capsule that bursts open when touched, dispersing its seeds. This capsule is typically green in color and contains numerous seeds, contributing to the plant's prolific spread in woodland habitats across the country.
Leaves:
The leaves of Small Balsam, native to the UK, are ovate to lanceolate in shape, with serrated edges. They are typically a vibrant green colour and have a slightly glossy appearance. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and often have a reddish tint on the undersides.
Aroma:
The aroma of Small Balsam, native to the UK, is subtle and delicate, often described as slightly sweet or floral. It may emit a faint fragrance reminiscent of fresh greenery or wildflowers, adding to the overall charm of its woodland habitat.
Other Names:
Small Yellow Balsam, Smallflower Touchmenot, Small-flowered Balsam, Small-flowered Jewelweed.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen
Summary
Impatiens parviflora, also known as small-flowered touch-me-not or small balsam, is a flowering plant that is native to North America. It is found in a variety of habitats, including moist woodlands, meadows, and along streams and rivers. Impatiens parviflora is an annual plant that grows up to 1 meter (3 feet) tall. It has thin, hairy stems and small, oval-shaped leaves. The plant produces clusters of small, white or pink flowers that are shaped like a slender, downward-pointing trumpet. Like other Impatiens species, Impatiens parviflora gets its common name, touch-me-not, from the way its seed pods burst open when they are touched or agitated, releasing the seeds. Impatiens parviflora is a popular garden plant and is often used in traditional medicine.
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Small Balsam, also known as Impatiens parviflora, is a beautiful and unique flower that is native to the northern hemisphere. This small herbaceous perennial can be found growing in moist woods, along streams, and in other damp areas.
One of the most striking features of Small Balsam is its delicate, pinkish-white flowers. These flowers are quite small, only about 1/4 inch in diameter, but they are produced in large clusters that cover the plant from late spring to early summer. The petals of the flowers are deeply fringed, giving them a unique and interesting appearance.
Small Balsam is also known for its glossy green leaves, which are oval in shape and have a smooth, waxy texture. These leaves are arranged opposite on the stem and can grow up to 2 inches in length.
In addition to its beauty, Small Balsam is also known for its medicinal properties. The plant has been used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments, including wounds, burns, and skin irritations. It is also believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cultivating Small Balsam is relatively easy and it can be grown in a variety of soil types, as long as the soil is moist and well-draining. This plant is also shade-tolerant, making it a great choice for wooded areas or for planting under taller plants.
In summary, Small Balsam is a beautiful and unique flower that is native to the northern hemisphere. It is known for its delicate pinkish-white flowers, glossy green leaves, and medicinal properties. It is easy to cultivate and can be grown in a variety of soil types as long as it is moist and well-draining. It is a great choice for those looking to add some beauty and interest to their gardens or wooded areas.
Small Balsam is also a great addition to a wildflower or native plant garden. It is a hardy plant that can adapt well to different growing conditions, making it a great choice for gardeners of all levels.
It is also a great choice for a naturalized landscape setting. It can be used as a groundcover or planted in mass to create a beautiful display. Its small size and shade tolerance make it a great choice for planting under taller plants or in areas where other flowers may struggle to grow.
One unique aspect of Small Balsam is that it is pollinated by small flies, rather than bees or butterflies, which makes it a great option for gardens that want to attract a diverse range of pollinators.
This plant can be propagated by seed or division. For seed propagation, it is best to sow the seeds in a cold frame in the fall. For division, it is best to divide the plant in the spring or fall when the plant is not in bloom.
Small Balsam is also relatively low maintenance, requiring only occasional watering and no fertilization. It is also resistant to pests and diseases, making it a great choice for those who want a beautiful and low-maintenance plant.
In summary, Small Balsam is a great option for gardeners of all levels, who want to add a unique and beautiful plant to their gardens. It can be used as a groundcover or planted in mass for a beautiful display. It is also low maintenance and easy to propagate. It is a great choice for naturalized landscapes, wildflower gardens and for those who want to attract a diverse range of pollinators.
Another important aspect to consider when growing Small Balsam is its hardiness zone. It is hardy in zones 3-8, making it a great option for many parts of the United States and Canada. It is also suitable for planting in other parts of the world with similar climates.
It's also important to note that while Small Balsam is a beautiful and unique plant, it is not commonly found in cultivation or nurseries. It is, however, readily available through seed companies and online seed retailers, and can also be found in the wild in its native range.
In addition to its ornamental and medicinal uses, Small Balsam is also a great plant for wildlife. The flowers provide a valuable source of nectar for small flies, and the seeds are a food source for birds.
When it comes to gardening, Small Balsam is a great option for gardeners who want to add a unique and beautiful plant to their garden. It's low maintenance, easy to propagate, and can be grown in a variety of soil types. It's also hardy in many parts of the world and it's a great addition for naturalized landscapes, wildflower gardens and for those who want to attract a diverse range of pollinators.
In conclusion, Small Balsam, also known as Impatiens parviflora, is a beautiful and unique flower that is native to the northern hemisphere. Its delicate pinkish-white flowers, glossy green leaves, and medicinal properties make it a great addition to any garden. Its hardiness, easy maintenance, and suitability for naturalized landscapes make it a great option for gardeners of all levels. It's a great way to add some beauty and interest to your garden, and attract a diverse range of pollinators.
30 Small Balsam Facts
- Small Balsam, scientifically known as Impatiens parviflora, is a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia.
- It belongs to the family Balsaminaceae and is closely related to other impatiens species.
- Small Balsam is an annual herbaceous plant, meaning it completes its life cycle within a year.
- The plant typically grows to a height of around 30-60 centimeters.
- Small Balsam features thin, succulent stems with nodes along their length.
- Its leaves are alternate, toothed, and ovate-lanceolate in shape.
- The flowers of Small Balsam are small, spurred, and yellow in color.
- Small Balsam blooms from summer to early autumn, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Each flower produces a small elongated fruit capsule containing numerous seeds.
- The fruit capsules of Small Balsam explode when touched, dispersing seeds in a process called ballistic dispersal.
- It thrives in damp, shaded habitats such as woodlands, riverbanks, and meadows.
- Small Balsam is often found growing alongside streams and in damp forest undergrowth.
- The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil with partial to full shade.
- Small Balsam has naturalized in various parts of the world outside its native range.
- It is considered an invasive species in some regions due to its ability to outcompete native vegetation.
- Small Balsam can form dense colonies, displacing native plant species.
- The plant is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, from acidic to alkaline.
- Small Balsam has a relatively short lifespan, typically completing its growth cycle within a year.
- It reproduces primarily by seed, which can remain viable in the soil for several years.
- Small Balsam is not typically used in traditional herbal medicine or culinary applications.
- The sap of Small Balsam may cause skin irritation in some individuals.
- The plant has been used in horticulture as an ornamental garden plant, valued for its colorful blooms.
- Small Balsam is sometimes referred to as "Touch-me-not" due to the explosive nature of its seed dispersal mechanism.
- It is known by various other common names, including Small-flowered Touch-me-not and Small Impatiens.
- Small Balsam is closely related to other impatiens species commonly cultivated as garden ornamentals.
- The plant may self-seed prolifically under favorable growing conditions.
- Small Balsam is capable of hybridizing with other impatiens species, leading to genetic diversity.
- It is often found growing in disturbed habitats such as roadsides and waste areas.
- Small Balsam is listed as an invasive species in several European countries, including the UK.
- Efforts to control the spread of Small Balsam include manual removal and habitat restoration projects.
Video
Small Balsam filmed at High Close Arboretum in Ambleside, Cumbria on the 17th June 2023.
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