Himalayan Balsam

Himalayan balsam is an invasive plant that will take over the natural habitat of native plants in the UK

What is Himalayan Balsam?

Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens Glandulifera) is the tallest growing annual plant in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is highly invasive due to its unique seed distribution method and its ability to grow 3 metres in height in a 3 month period.

Himalayan Balsam treatment & removal

Originally introduced to the UK in the 1830's, gardeners found the brightly coloured purple/pink flowers of Himalayan Balsam an attractive addition to the garden.  However, due to its invasive nature - the plant spreads rapidly, taking over the native habitat and killing off other native plants - it has become a problem in the UK. 

If you have Himalayan Balsam on your land, contact TCM today. We can arrange for one of our invasive weed experts to visit your property and discuss your treatment options.

Why is Himalayan Balsam a problem in the UK and Ireland?

Himalayan Balsam is commonly found adjacent to watercourses, in damp ground, and increasingly on roadside verges. The plant has an explosive mechanism by which ripe seeds are hurled from the plant, to enlarge the colony or be carried away by water to fresh ground - the seeds may be thrown as far as 2m away. As it is an annual, it has no other reproductive method other than seed, and thus prevention of seeding is the key to control.

Himalayan Balsam and the Law

  • Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981)

  • Environmental Protection Act (1990)

  • Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act (2014)

Identification

What does Himalayan Balsam look like? View our image gallery to identify Himalayan Balsam. 

IDENTIFY HERE

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