Touch-me-not

While taking the beautiful Fall Sunday afternoon at Johnson Sauk Trail State Park to picnic and relax (husband fishing and my reading), there was this patch of flowers growing beside the lake.

This pretty little Spotted Touch-me-not aka Jewelweed is actually Impatiens capensis. Considered a succulent and blooming from July - October along shaded wetlands and woods. Yep, that's Johnson's Park for sure.

An annual that often occurs in dense stands and is very appealing to hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Known for the leaves herbal qualities as a fungicidal - relieving itching due to poison ivy, nettles and athlete's foot.

Sometimes wildflowers are more stunning when viewed in a picture. They seldom last long when picked - it's that wild independent side of them. Wildflowers are almost always interspersed with other flowers and grasses and the impact of their blooms get lost in the mass.

It's best to know exactly what wildflower you are touching BEFORE you wander merrily through a patch, touch or pick it. Most survive in the wilds by having defense against the rest of nature and especially those that might destroy it. Thorns, oils, prickles, and such are just waiting for the unsuspecting to get close and personal. Many are ever so happy to share a sting, rash, itch, or fester with the wanderer. They often use animals, birds, insects and humans to spread seeds and pollen.

On the whole local parks subject - we thought Johnson's would be filled with people enjoying the local beauty on this holiday weekend. To our surprise, very few were enjoying a picnic, fishing or just relaxing. I'm glad we didn't "forget-it-not"!