South West, UK - What is Himalayan Balsam?

Find out everything you need to know about management and control.

The Himalayan Balsam is easily the most invasive weed in the UK, aggressively taking over waste ground, river banks, damp woodlands, and any other surfaces it can thrive on. It’s one of the tallest annual plants and fiercely competes with other species for survival, winning the race for space, nutrients, light, and even pollinators. When it’s all said and done, the controlling Himalayan balsam has the potential to wipe out native plant species and affect biodiversity, proving to be a big problem to gardeners, farmers, landowners, environmentalists, and anybody who has it on their property. But how much do you know about this dangerous weed?

Our informative article details the fundamentals of Himalayan Balsam and everything you should know.

What is the Himalayan Balsam?

The Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is a herbaceous perennial and native species to the western Himalayas in India, Nepal, and Pakistan. It is also known as the “policeman’s helmet” due to its distinctive pink, hooded flowers. The plant was introduced to Europe in 1839 as an ornamental garden plant and has since become an invasive species in many parts of the world, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and parts of the United States.

What are the characteristics of Himalayan Balsam?

The invasive Himalayan Balsam can grow up to 3 meters tall and has long, green leaves that are oval in shape plus it has green seed pods. The plant produces many pink, hooded flowers that bloom from June to September. The Himalayan balsam flowers are followed by long, slender seed pods that explode when ripe, releasing hundreds of seeds up to 7 meters away. This characteristic gives the parent plant its other common name, “touch-me-not.”

###

Why is Himalayan Balsam dangerous?

According to the wildlife and countryside act, Himalayan Balsam can be dangerous to farmers and gardeners for several reasons:

Rapid Spread: The plant can reproduce quickly and spread rapidly, making it difficult to control once established. This can lead to the plant taking over large farmland or gardens.

Competition: Himalayan Balsam can outcompete native plants, reducing the yield of crops and making it harder for gardeners to grow their desired plants. It’s one of the largest annual plants out there.

Pest Attraction: The plant attracts pests and diseases, which can further damage or destroy your crops.

Soil Erosion: Balsam has a shallow root system, which can lead to increased soil erosion, particularly on riverbanks or other areas of sloping land.

Control Cost: The control of this invasive species can be costly for farmers and gardeners, either by using chemical pesticides or manual labour to remove the plant.

Poisonous: The plant can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Overall, the Himalayan Balsam can be a nuisance and a costly problem for farmers, land and property owners, and gardeners and can cause significant damage to crops and the environment if left unchecked.

Find out everything you need to know here.

West Country Knotweed and Garden Services are experts in all types of invasive weeds in the UK and help you understand your best course of action. Contact us today at 0117 321 7799 or 07531 142316.