Is Himalayan balsam invasive in UK?

Is Himalayan balsam invasive in UK?

Himalayan Balsam’s beautiful pink flowers appear between June and September. We take a look at Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), one of the UK’s most invasive and problematic weed species, and the work CABI is doing to combat its spread.

Where does Himalayan balsam grow?

Himalayan balsam is an introduced annual naturalised along riverbanks and ditches. It prefers moist soils but will grow anywhere.

Is Himalayan balsam poisonous?

The Country Land and Business Association says the weeds – such as Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam, Japanese Knotweed and Floating Pennywort can be dangerous to humans, animals and other plants.

Is Himalayan balsam the same as Japanese knotweed?

As previously mentioned, the main difference between Himalayan knotweed and Japanese knotweed is the shape of the leaves, there are other differences though. Flowers on Himalayan knotweed have a pink hue to their colour, which distinguishes them from the pure white of Japanese knotweed flowers.

When did Himalayan balsam come to the UK?

1839
What is Himalayan balsam? 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.

Where did Himalayan balsam come from?

Himalayan Balsam and Kiss-me-on-the-mountain arise from the fact that the plant originates in the Himalayan mountains. The genus name Impatiens, means “impatient”, and refers to its method of seed dispersal.

Where can I buy Himalayan balsam?

Himalayan or Indian Balsam is most commonly found on riverbanks and damp areas, though it is capable of thriving in many other habitats. Due to a lack of natural predators and diseases this invasive plant spreads rapidly. It forms dense clumps which can grow up to 3 metres tall and dominate an area.

When was Himalayan balsam introduced to the UK?

What is wrong with Himalayan balsam?

It has a negative effect on native plants by shading them out. Then come winter when the plant dies back, it leaves the ground bare and vulnerable to erosion. One of the biggest problems caused by Himalayan Balsam is the damage is causes to habitats along banks and riversides, such as fish spawning beds.

What is a Himalayan balsam plant?

Himalayan Balsam or Impatiens glandulifera is an invasive plant that was introduced to the UK in 1839 as an ornamental garden plant. The plant was native to the Himalayan region and grows rapidly causing issues for surrounding plants.

What are the best ground cover plants for the UK?

In the UK, sedum will need to be in a full-sun position, which is why it’s not only among the best ground cover plants, it’s also fantastic for living roof cover. Ribbon grass, sometimes called ‘Feesey’, is a variety of Phalaris arundinacea, or reed canary grass, which grows in tall, perennial clumps.

Why plant ground cover plants?

Why plant ground cover plants? Ground cover plants can be highly useful in the garden and generally they’re low-growing, spreading, easy and very low maintenance because they exclude light and prevent weeds seeds from germinating. Ground cover plants are also extremely useful on slopes, where it is difficult to mow or weed.

How is Himalayan balsam treated and eradicated?

The most effective method in eradicating Himalayan Balsam from construction sites is to excavate the contaminated area down to depths of 6 metres. This ensures that any seeds that are left in the soil are removed. This excavated material needs to be sent to a permitted landfill to ensure seeds are not spread.