Family: Balsaminaceae

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Kauai and East Maui, Hawaiian Islands, Canary Islands, New Zealand, Colombia
  
• Possible environmental weed. Replaces other vegetation on forest floor, and prevents seedlings of native species establishing
  
• Other Impatiens species have become invasive
  
• Possibly unpalatable (deer resistant)
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Forms dense stands
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Spreads vegetatively
  
• Can be spread as garden waste
  
• Planted intentionally by people
  
• Fruits burst open due to internal pressure and disperse seeds
  
• Can be dispersed by water

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• No reports of toxicity
  
• Ornamental
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control