Cape Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)

Cape Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)

 Back on September 4, 2010, we had the opportunity to visit Kobayashi Park in University Place again. We had tried a couple other times this summer, but each time the parking spaces were filled up (the parking area is small). That Saturday afternoon we felt excited when we saw a place to park.

At Kobayashi Park, Leach Creek flows into Chambers Creek, and after we climbed out of our mini-van we went over to the path at the left of the parking area to look at Leach Creek first. By the creek we discovered  little yellow flowers with orange spots.  When I looked it up later, I found out they were cape jewelweed. Cape jewelweed is a native annual which flowers all summer. It grows in "moist to wet soils in partly shady places along rivers and creeks" (see Pacific Northwest Wildflowers), and that's where we found it! The bright little flowers are so pretty and cheerful.

Walking the pathway to Leach Creek

Cape Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)

A Cape Jewelweed leaf

Leach Creek with Cape Jewelweed on it's banks

We found Cape Jewelweed elsewhere in
Kobayashi Park, too, also near water.
Cape Jewelweed loves to grow in moist to wet soils.