Skip to content
IIIFolio · plant profile№ B064edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTreflePFAFPOWOreviewed 18 Oct 2026methodology → read

Paleyellow touch-me-not

Impatiens aurella
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
edibleannualannualedibleedible leafherbshade tolerant
Updated·Quick Q&A →
Garden journal pausedUse profile notes below
Impatiens aurella (Paleyellow touch-me-not) — botanical photograph
Pl. B064 — Impatiens aurella
Impatiens aurellaImpatiens aurellaImpatiens aurellaImpatiens aurellaImpatiens aurellaImpatiens aurellaImpatiens aurellaImpatiens aurellaImpatiens aurellaImpatiens aurellaImpatiens aurellaImpatiens aurellaImpatiens aurellaImpatiens aurella
I

Overview

Paleyellow touch-me-not (Impatiens aurella) is an annual forb or herb native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, specifically found in British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. This plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure and prefers soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Known for its edible parts—leaves, seeds, and shoots—it is often eaten fresh in salads or as a garnish. Seeds can also be harvested and used in various culinary applications such as soups or roasted for a nutty flavor. The paleyellow touch-me-not is distinguished by its pale yellow coloration, making it a notable ornamental choice in gardens while also serving as a valuable food source. While it is not medicinal, it does offer practical benefits such as antifungal properties and can be used for pest control. This plant is hardy in temperate regions and is a versatile addition to both gardens and culinary uses.

Quick answers

What is Paleyellow touch-me-not?

Paleyellow touch-me-not (Impatiens aurella) is an annual forb or herb native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, specifically found in British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Paleyellow touch-me-not thrives in partial sun to full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is an annual forb/herb that requires regular watering to maintain its health. Propagate through seeds for the best results. This plant is hardy in temperate regions and is native to areas like British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Its edible parts include leaves, shoots, and seeds, making it a versatile addition to gardens and culinary uses.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
For first-time growers

How to grow Paleyellow touch-me-not for the first time

8steps

Start with Paleyellow touch-me-not for a simple and rewarding gardening experience.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds, small pots or trays, potting soil, a watering can.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in late spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use well-draining soil. Containers should be at least 6 inches deep.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Start seeds indoors about 6 weeks before planting outside. Transplant carefully to avoid damaging roots.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep the soil consistently moist and place in a partially shaded area to acclimate.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun to partial shade, keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth and remove dead flowers.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune, not providing enough light, waiting too long to plant after the last frost.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:LeavesSeedShoots
Edible uses: The paleyellow touch-me-not is edible and its leaves, shoots, and seeds can be consumed. The leaves and shoots are often eaten fresh in salads or as a garnish. Seeds can be harvested and used in various culinary applications such as soups or roasted for a nutty flavor. Skip the preparation details to maintain brevity.
Other uses:DyeantifungalHairPest control
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

5 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across0 continents· 5 native
Broader regions
native:British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Impatiens aurella (Paleyellow touch-me-not) — botanical photograph
Paleyellow touch-me-not (Impatiens aurella)
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

Last updated
Citation
How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · b064c414-70e5-473e-a51f-cc61bdc4c6c2
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates

Get archive updates

Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.

Newsletter returning soon.
We are rebuilding the update list around a lightweight editorial workflow. New dispatches will resume after the next content review cycle.
iCare notes