It was introduced to Kew Gardens in 1839 and is thought to have mainly been spread by people passing seeds to each other. Invasive Species Guide: Himalayan Balsam 1 | P a g e Invasive Species Guide: Himalayan Balsam Photos are sourced from GBNNSS and Groundwork South. Impatiens glandulifera. Smaller than Himalayan balsam, growing to a height of 1.2 Flower is similar in shape but orange in colour Orange balsam is much less aggressive than Himalayan balsam, forming dense stands . (Impatiens glandulifera) Himalayan Balsam. Additional Resources: Invasive Species Centre It has an explosive seed capsule, which scatters seeds over a … That’s particularly problematic on riverbeds, where it leaves vast swaths of land exposed to harsh winters as well as erosion. The problem is that such actions need careful planning, as if the pods are ripe, the slightest touch can cause them to pop, shooting fresh seeds everywhere and keeping the cycle going. “In the winter it dies back and leaves bare soil, so then you’ve got a risk of soil erosion and it can contribute to flash flooding.”. Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens Glandulifera) is a relative of the “busy lizzy” but reaches well over head height and is a major weed problem.It is native to the western Himalayas and in the early 1800’s was introduced to many parts of Europe as a garden ornamental, it has since become an invasive plant as it grows rapidly and spreads quickly, smothering other vegetation as it goes. Mechanical control is an alternative to biocontrol. 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If possible, please take one or more photos of the invasive species you are reporting. A native of India and Pakistan, the Himalayan Balsam has managed to invade 23 European countries, as well as the United States, Canada and even New Zealand. It is also commonly referred to as Indian Balsam. We have been using mechanical control methods alongside our biocontrol efforts to tackle the Himalayan balsam affecting the River Blythe. The threat of the Himalayan Balsam has been compared to that of Japanese Knotweed, another invasive plant the spread of which has so far proved virtually impossible to control. Skip Navigation. It is considered a "prohibited noxious weed" under the Alberta Weed Control Act 2010. Fruit capsules explode when ripe and touched Habitat: Himalayan balsam is an herbaceous, terrestrial, annual plant that thrives in riparian zones. 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