The Jewelweed: A Natural Remedy for Skin Ailments and Insect Bites

Jewelweed is annual with a thick, creeping underground stem and finely divided leaves on long stems above ground. The leaves are shiny green in color, ovate to lance-shaped, and have a pointed apex. The flowers are mauve to pinkish purple in color and grow on many flower stalks that grow 6 inches or taller above the foliage. The Jewelweed petals are long and narrow, with a hooded tip formed by the hooded area of the lower outer petal. The calyx includes six sepals. The entire plant has a fragrance that smells like a cross between garlic and mint or citrus.

The plant can be grown in either full sun or shade, but it does very well in the full shade because of its thick, fleshy roots that can tolerate less light than other plants, especially understory plants. It is a pure native to the United States but is also naturalized in far western areas of Canada and northern Mexico.

The Jewelweed Plant grows best when its roots extend into moist soil and then grow with plenty of water and fertilizer. It can be started from seed sown directly into the garden after all danger of frost has passed and grown within 5-6 weeks. Seedlings can also be transplanted into the garden after the danger of frost has passed. The seeds are sown 1/4 inch deep and about 6 inches apart in rows 12-15 inches apart. They do not need to be buried very deeply. It is essential not to place them close together in areas with wet soil because this will cause them to rot.

It is a fast-growing plant that does not require staking if planted in full sun or part shade where the roots can spread out thoroughly. It is a great plant to use as a ground cover because the thousands of vines it produces can cover up rocks and other undesirable areas with soft, poisonous leaves. It also works well under trees to provide a ground cover. Contract Today for more query.