This plant is also known as Jewel Weed. The pale Touch-Me-Not pictured here is far less common than the Spotted Touch-Me-Not (I. capensis). It differs in that the pale variety has larger petals and few, if any, spots; all other characteristics are the same. The sensitive triggering of seeds from the ripe capsule inspired the common name.

This family of plants got the name Jewel Weed from the silvery appearance of the leaf when submerged in water; shimmering like silver. Extracts from the stem are said to have been used to treat athlete's foot and scientific data confirms its fungicidal properties.