Plant · GBIF taxon 2891773
Garden balsam
Impatiens balsaminaAlso known as Rose Balsam, Touch-Me-Not, Spotted Snapweed, Balsam
Garden balsam is an upright annual herb prized for its vibrant, cup-shaped flowers that bloom in shades of pink, red, purple, and white along thick, succulent stems. When its mature seed capsules are touched, they split open explosively, launching seeds several feet away to aid seed dispersal. This prolific self-seeder thrives in moist, shaded environments, serving as a popular ornamental plant across tropical and temperate gardens worldwide.
FloweringAnnualShade Tolerant
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sunlight
- Water
- Soil Nutrients
Predators
- Slugs
- Snails
- Caterpillars
ThreatsHabitat alteration, extreme drought, invasive weed management
HabitatsGardens, damp woodlands, stream banks, disturbed soil
Life span1 year (Annual)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderEricales
- FamilyBalsaminaceae
- GenusImpatiens
- SpeciesImpatiens balsamina
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Observing pods: Gently touch ripe seed capsules to watch them snap open explosively.
- Light requirements: Seek out specimens in partial to full shade with rich soil.
- Garden placement: Pair with hostas and ferns in damp, shaded flower beds.
Close Relative (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Forest and Kim Starr, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Invasive Relative (c) John Barkla, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by John Barkla · cc-by
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.