• Poison Ivy Relief: Jewelweed’s sap has long been used as a natural remedy for poison ivy, bug bites, and other skin irritations. Simply crush the stems and apply the sap directly to the affected area for relief.

• Pollinator Magnet: Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies are drawn to its late-season nectar, making it an essential food source as other flowers fade.

You can spot jewelweed in moist, shaded environments, such as:

• Along streams, ponds, and rivers
• Wetland areas and forest understories
• Shady sections of hiking trails
• Damp spots in gardens or yards

Its natural ability to stabilize soil makes it especially common near waterways.

• Supports Biodiversity: Jewelweed provides nectar for pollinators like hummingbirds and bees and seeds for birds like finches.
• Prevents Soil Erosion: Its roots stabilize the soil along streambanks and forest floors.
• Resilient and Self-Sowing: Jewelweed reseeds itself, ensuring it thrives year after year without intervention.

• Poison Ivy Relief: Crush the fresh stems to extract the sap and apply it directly to skin irritated by poison ivy, bug bites, or mild rashes. Its natural compounds help reduce itching and inflammation.

• Homemade Remedies: Jewelweed can be turned into salves, tinctures, or ice cubes for later use. Simply steep the leaves and stems in water to make a soothing liquid.

• Skin Cleanser: Use jewelweed sap as a gentle, natural skin cleanser when hiking or working outdoors.

Pro tip: Always use fresh jewelweed for the best results – it loses its potency when dried.

At Fiddlehead Homestead, jewelweed is a favorite plant to encounter on hikes or when exploring damp garden spots. Its beauty, practical uses, and importance to pollinators make it a plant worth celebrating. Whether you’re calming a poison ivy rash or admiring its bright blooms, jewelweed is a true New England treasure.