Multiple choice general knowledge

One lovely North American wildflower goes by the common names of jewelweed and touch-me-not. It is called jewelweed because its blossoms look like hanging jewels, but why is it called touch-me-not?

  1. It dies if touched

  2. It causes an itchy rash

  3. It leaves an almost indelible stain

  4. Its seed pods explode on contact

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Touch-me-not (Impatiens capensis) gets its name from its explosive seed pods which burst open when touched, scattering seeds several feet. This seed dispersal mechanism is why it's called "touch-me-not" - not because it's dangerous to touch.