Each plant can produce up to 800 seeds. A native of the Western Himalaya, it was introduced in 1839 to Kew Gardens as a greenhouse exotic. Choose a weedkiller that is most appropriate for the purpose by reading the label carefully before buying or using. We would recommend you also look elsewhere for further information, possibly not covered on these pages. Chemical control Users must be aware of the risks involved when using chemicals to control any plant especially as it tends to grows near water. It is a non-native, highly invasive weed that damages the habitats it finds itself in by crowding out our native species. Himalayan Balsam was introduced to the UK in 1839 as a greenhouse and warm garden plant and, within a few years had escaped into the wild. Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glanulifera) is an attractive looking flower, with a stout, hollow stem, trumpet shaped pink/white flowers and elliptical shaped green leaves. Commonly found along riverbanks and streams, around ponds and lakes, in wet woodlands and in ditches and damp meadows. What is Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) Himalayan Balsam, commonly known as Indian Balsam and Policemans Helmet, is an invasive non native annual plant which has quickly infested the banks of British waterways shading out the native British plants … RHS members can get exclusive individual advice from the RHS Gardening Advice team. It is sometimes seen in gardens, either uninvited or grown deliberately, but care must be taken to ensure that it does not escape into the wild. It can advise on suitably qualified contractors, as can the National Association of Agricultural and Amenity Contractors. The flowers are followed by seed pods that open explosively when ripe. Mon – Fri | 9am – 5pm, Join the RHS today and support our charity. times, National Association of Agricultural and Amenity Contractors, Chemicals: using spot and broad-scale weedkillers, RHS Registered Charity no. Where non-chemical control methods are not feasible, chemical controls may need to be used. First, consider whether this can be done using non-chemical means such as pulling or digging out, or suppressing with mulch. Glyphosate is most effective when weed growth is vigorous. Himalayan balsam also promotes river bank erosion due to the plant dying back over winter, leaving the bank unprotected from flooding. Himalayan balsam tolerates low light levels and also shades out other vegetation, so gradually impoverishing habitats by … Glyphosate is a non-selective, systemic weedkiller that is applied to the foliage. Land managers often give up when faced with controlling Himalayan balsam over a large area due to the inaccessible places where the plant grows. Conservation authorities regularly organise ‘balsam bashing’ work parties to clear the weed from marshland and riverbanks. Introduced to the UK in 1839, Himalayan balsam is now a naturalised plant, found especially on riverbanks and in waste places where it has become a problem weed. The more seeds we eat, the fewer seeds there will remain to spread this plant. It has an explosive seed capsule, which scatters seeds over a distance of up to 7m. Safety Bulletins 163.67 views per day | under Safety Bulletin; Jargon Buster 105 views per day | under Tools; The plant has had plenty of time to establish in the UK and, over the last 50 years, has spread rapidly. If you've ever wandered along a riverbank, pond or lake, we guarantee you will have seen it at least once! Weeds: non-chemical control, Join • Himalayan balsam is an annual plant with bright purple-pink flowers. Find the Environmental Protection Act 1990 on the Legislation.gov.uk website. The species is particularly frequent along the banks of watercourses, where it often forms continuous stands. the RHS today and get 12 months for the price of 9. Himalayan Balsam can spread extremely rapidly thanks to the huge amount of seeds it can produce. Himalayan Balsam Toolbox Talk. Himalayan balsam is native to the foothills of the Himalayas, India and Pakistan, and was first released into the UK in 1839 as an ornamental garden plant. How to identify: it grows up to 2-3m in height; it has red-tinged stems and green leaves; purplish pink flowers from June to October. Produced by Cymdeithas Llandudoch, St Dogmaels Community Association The information on these pages has been pulled together by non-experts, through extensive web searches and limited consultation with experts. Cover them with plastic sheeting while spraying, and only remove it once the spray has dried on the weed foliage. Himalayan balsam grows and spreads quickly on river banks, waste ground and damp woodlands. Himalayan balsam tolerates low light levels and also shades out other vegetation, so gradually impoverishing habitats by killing off other plants. Himalayan Balsam (HB) is considered to be the tallest growing annual plant in the UK (2-3m) It is a non-native alien species introduced by the Victorians for its pretty pink bell-like flowers prompting its common name ‘Policemen’s Helmets’. Inclusion of a weedkiller product does not indicate a recommendation or endorsement by the RHS. Some parts of Himalayan Balsam are edible, and the flowers can be used to make ‘champagne’ similar to that which is made with elderflowers. However, less attention is paid to Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), a relative of the much-loved Busy Lizzie found in floral borders and displays across the UK, an annual plant which grows to about 2 m with purplish-pink slipper shaped flowers in June – August (CEH 2005). Himalayan Balsam is one of the UK’s most fastest-spreading invasive weeds today. It may take a couple of seasons to obtain good control of Himalayan balsam, as additional weed seedlings germinate after the parent plants are killed off. Himalayan balsam (Inpatiens glandulifera) is a large annually growing plant that is native to the Himalayan mountains.Due to human introduction, it has now spread across much of the Northern Hemisphere. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place. It is now widely established in other parts of the world (such as the British Isles and North America), in some cases becoming a weed. The non-selective contact weedkillers acetic acid (Weedol Gun! Himalayan balsam grows up to 3 m tall and is reputed to be the tallest annual plant found in the UK. Take care when applying weedkillers near ornamental plants. 020 3176 5800 RHS Garden Hyde Hall Spring and Orchid Show, Free entry to RHS members at selected Q6: Why is Himalayan balsam an invasive species? It escaped into the wild and is now recorded throughout the UK, particularly along the banks of watercourses. The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. It will be included in Scotland by the end of 2011. Roundup Fast Action, Westland Resolva Pro Xtra Tough Weedkiller, SBM Job done General Purpose Weedkiller or Doff Maxi Strength Glyphosate Weedkiller). This plant is the least harmful of our three main invasive species. It is inactivated on contact with the soil, so there is no risk of damage to the roots of nearby ornamentals, but care must be taken that the spray doesn't drift onto their foliage. Click here for the latest Himalayan Balsam information leaflet. While it comes from Asia, it has spread into other habitats, where it pushes out native plants and can wreak serious havoc on the environment. Himalayan balsam grows up to 3 metres high with a hollow and bamboo-like … Himalayan balsam is sometimes cultivated for its flowers. Schedule 9: The main piece of […] Chemicals: using spot and broad-scale weedkillers Colonising rail and river banks, wastelands and woodlands, Himalayan balsam was introduced to the British Isles in 1839 by Victorian plant hunters who were keen on its beautiful pink flowers and exploding seed pods. Himalayan balsam is a non-native invasive terrestrial plant species. It prefers moist soils but will grow pretty much anywhere. Weedkillers for gardeners (Adobe Acrobat pdf document outlining weedkillers available to gardeners; see sections 3 and 4), Chemicals: using a sprayer Level crossings . Himalayan Balsam is a tasty plant commonly eaten as curry in its native Northern India. Scientific Name. Once growing, Himalayan Balsam can spread at a fearsome rate and the problem here is now so huge that in the central Lake District alone, our Rangers and volunteers spend at least 50 days between them tackling the plant every year. It starves native plants from sunlight and mineral, leaving riverbanks more susceptible to erosion. Join the RHS today and support our charitable work, Keep track of your plants with reminders & care tips – all to help you grow successfully, For the latest on RHS Shows in 2020 and 2021, read more, RHS members get free access to RHS Gardens, Free entry to RHS members at selected times », Reduced prices on RHS Garden courses and workshops, Our Garden Centres and online shops are packed with unique and thoughtful gifts and decorations to make your Christmas sparkle, General enquiries Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) has rapidly become one of the UK’s most widespread invasive weed species, colonising river banks, waste land, damp woodlands, roadways and railways.It reaches well over head height, and is a major weed problem. Himalayan balsam can be controlled with a weedkiller based on glyphosate (e.g. 222879/SC038262, The most widespread distribution tends to be by human means where individuals pass on seed to friends, Once established in the catchment of a river the seeds, which can remain viable for two years, are transported further afield by water. These seeds are stored in fruit capsules at the top of the plant, which when mature or prodded explode, spreading them far into the air and over a wide area (up to seven metres). 0 ← Back. Its aggressive seed dispersal, coupled with high nectar production which attracts pollinators, often allow it to outcompete native plants. A native of the Western Himalaya, it was introduced in 1839 and is now recorded throughout Britain. Himalayan or Indian balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is an annual herb and was introduced to Britain in 1839. If this can't be achieved, consider using chemical methods. Chemicals: using safely and effectively If you […] Himalayan balsam ( Impatiens glandulifera) is an invasive plant introduced to Britain in the mid 19th Century by Victorian gardeners. Himalayan Balsam Toolbox Talk. Himalayan balsam ( Impatiens glandulifera) is a very attractive but problematic plant, especially in the British Isles. The main method of non-chemical control, and usually the most appropriate, is pulling or cutting the plants before they flower and set seed. Himalayan balsam is a tall growing annual, 2-3m (6-10ft) in height. It is fast-growing and spreads quickly, invading wet habitat at the expense of other, native flowers. Himalayan Balsam is not toxic to humans, although some people may be allergic to its pollen. The plants grow densely and stop the growth of other plants and grasses. You may well have heard of Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) as it increasingly features in our press. By foraging for this free food you can help your budget and the environment. Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) has quickly become one of the UK s most invasive weed species, colonising river banks, waste ground and damp woodlands. Common Names. Himalayan Balsam (‘Policeman’s Helmet’, ‘Touch-me-not’, ‘Jumping Jack’) is an extremely invasive non-native annual plant. Himalayan Balsam, Policemans Helmet, Bobby Tops, Copper Tops. • It is listed under schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside ... Find the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 on the Legislation.gov.uk website. Individual plants reach 2m in height, have translucent fleshy stems, pink-purple slipper-shaped flowers and large oval pointed leaves. This non native plant, introduced by the Victorians, is quickly becoming more common due to its seed dispersal and as it can grow from seed to two and a half metres in one season can crowd out native plants. Contact weedkillers and glyphosate have low persistence in the soil, being virtually inactivated on soil contact. It prefers moist soils but will grow anywhere. Residual weedkillers persist in the soil for several weeks or months and can move deeper or sideways in the soil, leading to possible damage of underlying plant roots. Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is an introduced summer annual that has naturalised in the UK, mainly along riverbanks and ditches. Top updates. See more about our latest safety campaigns. As such, it is an offence to plant or otherwise allow it to grow in the wild. Before using weedkillers alongside waterways it is necessary to contact the Environment Agency (see telephone directory for your local office). The information on these pages has been pulled together by non-experts, through extensive web searches and limited consultation with experts. Introduced in the 19 th Century as a garden plant because of its imposing stature and attractive flowers, it quickly spread into the wild and is common in the UK. These are dispersed widely as the ripe seedpods shoot their seeds up to 7m (22ft) away. What is Himalayan Balsam? Invasive Himalayan balsam can also adve… Hedgerow Type. About. Himalayan Balsam is an invasive plant with easily identifiable pink or white heart-shaped flowers, that was introduced to the UK in 1839. Plants can grow up to 3m tall, making this the tallest annual species growing wild in the UK. Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) Controlling the Spread of Himalayan Balsam The Plant. The Himalayan Balsam was introduced in the UK in 1839 as a greenhouse and garden plant, but it only took a few decades for it to escape into the wild. The plant is spread by two principal means; Plants that out-compete other more desirable plants or simply invade half the garden are classed as weeds and require control. Himalayan balsam was introduced as a garden plant in 1839, but soon escaped and became widely naturalised along riverbanks and ditches, especially close to towns. It was introduced to the UK in 1839 and is now a … Introduced to the UK in 1839, Himalayan balsam is now a naturalised plant, found especially on riverbanks and in waste places where it has become a problem weed. If you would like to add anything or have any suggestions, please contact the site manager. Himalayan balsam is an introduced annual naturalised along riverbanks and ditches. Between June and October it produces clusters of purplish pink (or rarely white) helmet-shaped flowers. It is locally c… Growing and spreading rapidly, it successfully competes with native plant species for space, light, nutrients and pollinators, and … Himalayan balsam monoculture on the river Camel, Cornwall, UK. Please contact the site manager if you have contributions or questions. We aim to make this as useful as possible for people to go out an make a difference locally, and we need all the help we can get. Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is a relative of the busy Lizzie, but reaches well over head height, and is a major weed problem, especially on riverbanks and waste land, but can also invade gardens. Useful links. Treat Himalayan balsam at early flowering stage to ensure the weed is knocked back before it has chance to self-seed. Himalayan Balsam was added to Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in April 2009 in Wales and England. If you feel you could contribute, to make the site better, please do. Himalayan balsam grows in dense clumps and is a herbaceous annual plant, which is easily identifiable when mature. It successfully competes with native plant species for space, light, nutrients and pollinators, and excludes other plant growth, thereby reducing native biodiversity. This website is still very much in development, and may change from time to time in the coming months. Click here for the latest Himalayan Balsam information leaflet. It grows in dense stands and can be up to 2m tall. We would recommend you also look elsewhere for further information, possibly not covered on these pages. Its common name is “Policeman’s Helmet” due to the shape of the flowers. Fast Acting, Ecofective Weed Blast, ResolvaFast Weedkiller, Vitax Garden Weedkiller), fatty acids (SBM Solabiol Super Fast Weedkiller) or pelargonic acid (Doff 24/7 Fast Acting Weedkiller, Neudorff Weedfree Express, Westland Resolva Xpress Weedkiller, Roundup NL Weed Control) can be applied before flowering. It is a list of products currently available to the home gardener. It grows rapidly and spreads quickly, smothering other vegetation as it goes. Faced with controlling himalayan balsam is a non-native invasive terrestrial plant species waterways is... 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