Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera)

Similar to Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed this is another specimen that was introduced to the UK, but this time a little earlier in the 1800’s. It’s the tallest annual in the UK, it grows up to 3 metres tall with a purple pink flower and this has led to the slang name of 'Policeman's helmet'.

Each plant can produce up to 800 seeds which are explosively released from the seed pods once matured and can travel up to 7 metres. This allows them to enter the watercourse and spread further. Furthermore the seeds can remain dormant for up to 2 years.

How to identify Himalayan Balsam

Japanese Knotweed

Giant Hogweed

Common Ragwort

Himalayan Balsam

Buddleia

Aqautic Invasive Weeds

young cotyledon

carpet effect

flowering

stem

flowerhead

Why is it a problem?

Due to its vigorous growth, it is a threat to our native species, as it out competes them. On canals and rivers it can cause erosion, as once the plant dies back in the winter the banks are vulnerable to collapse.

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