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small balsam

Impatiens parviflora

Small balsam is a lovely little plant with bright yellow flowers. It grows in shady places and is often found in forests. Its flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it a cheerful sight in nature.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The small balsam has distinctive translucent, pale green stems and small, pale yellow flowers, often with a reddish spot and a long curved spur. Its oval, serrated leaves are arranged oppositely, making it visually distinct from many common wildflowers due to its delicate, see-through appearance.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilyBalsaminaceaeGenusImpatiens
small balsam
flowering trait badgebiennial trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgefragrant_flower trait badge
small balsam

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

It arrived in Europe from Central Asia, likely escaping from gardens to grow wild.

Its stems are so clear, you can almost see water moving through them!

The plant's name 'Impatiens' means impatient, a nod to its exploding seed pods!

This plant can grow almost anywhere, even in neglected, damp, and shady spots!

Special abilities

Ability

Seed Shooter

Small balsam can launch its seeds up to several meters away by exploding its ripe seed pods, helping it spread far and wide.

Ability

Shade Conqueror

Small balsam has a super-fast growth rate and can thrive in deep shade, allowing it to quickly outcompete other plants.

Measurements & details

Height
30-80 cm
Spread
20-40 cm
Flower Size
1-2 cm
Bloom Season
Summer to early autumn
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Annual
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Buff-tailed bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

collects nectar from flowers

pollinates

European honeybee

Apis mellifera

visits flowers for nectar

eaten by

Spanish slug

Arion lusitanicus

eats leaves and young shoots

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch the plants in nature, as some can be delicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is small balsam?

30-80 cm

How wide does small balsam spread?

20-40 cm

How big are the flowers on small balsam?

1-2 cm

When does small balsam bloom?

Summer to early autumn

Is small balsam edible?

Yes

Is small balsam toxic?

None

What is small balsam's lifecycle?

Annual

How is small balsam pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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