Impatiens glandulifera is a succulent annual than can be 3-10 ft. (0.9-3 m) tall. The stems are purple tinged, hollow and hexagonally angled.
Foliage
The foliage is opposite or whorled. Leaves are lanceolate to lance-ovate with acuminate tips. Leaves are simple, serrate and 6 in. (15.2 cm) long.
Flowers
Flowering occurs from June to October. The pink, irregular, solitary flowers appear on axillary stalks.
Fruit
Fruits are five chambered capsules that, when mature, explode expelling seeds forcefully. Each plant produces about 800 seeds.
Ecological Threat
Impatiens glandulifera occurs in areas with high soil moisture, such as riparian areas. It is tall for an annual plant, has a fast growth rate, reseeds aggressively and outcompetes native vegetation. Plants are partially shade tolerant. It is native to India.