impatiens

Any of about 900 species of herbaceous plants in the genus (balsam family), so named because the seedpod bursts when slightly touched. Garden balsam (), native to the tropics of Asia, is a favourite showy annual in U.S. gardens; its flowers are irregular, single or clustered, and of almost every colour but blue. Familiar related weeds in eastern North America are spotted jewelweed ( or ) and pale touch-me-not (). Most impatiens have weak, hollow stems and require high moisture. Close relatives are geraniums and nasturtiums.

Find more information on impatiens. Upgrade to Britannica Online for more on impatiens.