Himalayan balsam seeds can spread up to 20’ away from the parent plant when its seedpods burst. There was a time when the plant was marketed as a novelty attraction for children, under the name ” Mr. Noisy’s Exploding Plant”, and despite its now known invasive tendencies people still love popping those pods every chance they get. Annual reproduction of this plant occurs in the summer, when the flowers are pollinated by insects. e9 = new Object(); - Or - use the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) online reporting tool, - Or - download the MISIN smartphone app and report from your phone - http://www.misin.msu.edu/tools/apps/#home, Barbara Tokarska-Guzik University of Silesia bugwood.org, Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org - Himalayan balsam leaves. When ripe, the seed pods of the Himalayan Balsam will explode at the slightest of stimuli. That’s particularly problematic on riverbeds, where it leaves vast swaths of land exposed to harsh winters as well as erosion. Himalayan Balsam Himalayan balsam is very invasive and spreads quickly along watercourses. e9.snackbar = true; Appearance Impatiens glandulifera is a succulent annual than can be 3-10 ft. (0.9-3 m) tall. In the UK, the plant was first introduced in 1839, at the same time as giant hogweed and Japanese knotweed. However, humans have played a pretty big part in its successful colonization of the world. Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is a non-native annual plant that was introduced into parts of Europe during the mid-nineteenth century as an ornamental plant for parks and gardens.This plant species was first recognised as an invasive species and a threat to ecological stability in the 1930’s. Himalayan Balsam. It can be seen along several trails and roadsides in Prince Edward Island. Habitat: Himalayan balsam is an herbaceous, terrestrial, annual plant that thrives in riparian zones. Additional Resources: Invasive Species Centre Hit enter to return to the slide. You see, this isn’t just another invasive weed, it’s a very attractive one. It can be found in wetlands, forests, gardens, yards, and on the side of the road. “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 Lizzie, but reaches well over head height, and is a major weed problem, especially on riverbanks and waste land, but can also invade gardens. It is also commonly referred to as Indian Balsam. It has been blamed for natural disasters such as landslides and altering the flow of rivers, which leads to flooding. Why is Himalayan balsam such a big problem? Mechanical control is an alternative to biocontrol. Skip Navigation. Invasive Species Guide: Himalayan Balsam 1 | P a g e Invasive Species Guide: Himalayan Balsam Photos are sourced from GBNNSS and Groundwork South. Himalayan Balsam: invasive weed. 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. Himalayan Balsam is an annual herb, native to the Himalayan region of Asia. The Balsam has these beautiful purple flowers that people love so much that they historically spread seeds in the wild just so they could see them on the sides of roads. 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 . The native range in the western Himalayas is relatively small compared to its invasive range. Invasive Himalayan balsam can also adversely affect indigenous species by attracting pollinators (e.g. Suzannah Iott, MDARD Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division, 517-420-0473. Native look-alikes and how you can tell them apart from Himalayan balsam: Himalayan Balsam Invasive Species Alert - Printable PDF, se the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network, http://www.misin.msu.edu/tools/apps/#home, 5 petals per flower-purple, pink, or white in color, Fruit capsules explode when ripe and touched. 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. Granted, it’s an oddly satisfying experience. Now found in most areas of the UK, Himalayan balsam has become an invasive non-native species (INNS) in the UK and is most commonly found on riverbanks, waste ground, and damp areas, and can also thrive in many other habitats. *Detected in Michigan* We have been using mechanical control methods alongside our biocontrol efforts to tackle the Himalayan balsam affecting the River Blythe. Himalayan balsam is widely distributed across Canada and can be found in eight provinces. insects) at the expense of indigenous species. Apart from its attractive flowers, the exploding seed pods made it uniquely appealing. It is now considered a pest in many countries throughout the world. Mechanical control of Himalayan Balsam. Other Common Names: Ornamental jewelweed, touch-me-not, Indian jewelweed, policeman’s helmet. Each plant has the ability to spread over 7 metres every season, making it difficult to eradicate without a coordinated approach, particularly around rivers … It grows in dense stands and can be up to 2m tall. For large, riverside infestations, a specialist invasive species control … It now an invasive weed of riverbanks and ditches, where it prevents native species from growing. This attractive annual plant was introduced to Ireland from the Himalayas and has since become a very invasive weed. Commonly found along riverbanks and streams, around ponds and lakes, in wet woodlands and in ditches and damp meadows. . 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. It has an explosive seed capsule, which scatters seeds over a … Foliage The foliage is opposite or whorled. Every plant has dozens of pods which contain an average of 800 seeds, so a thicket of  Himalayan Balsam can contain up to 30,000 of these tiny bullets just waiting to take root. at the heart of a living, working, active landscape valued by everyone. In fact, the plant – whose native range is the foothills of the Indian and Pakistani Himalayas – is considered one of the UK’s most widespread invasive weed species competing with native plant species for space, light, nutrients and pollinators, thereby reducing local biodiversity. Himalayan Balsam Impatiens glandulifera Invasive Species Identification and Control Guide Species Description Himalayan Balsam is a native species to the western Himalayans in North India. According to Beerling and Perrins (1993), I. glandulifera is native from Kashmir to Garhwal between 2000 and 2500 masl, and Polunin and Stainton (1984) report the plant can grow up to 4000 masl in its native range. It reaches well over head height, and is a major weed problem. Fruit capsules explode when ripe and touched Habitat: Himalayan balsam is an herbaceous, terrestrial, annual plant that thrives in riparian zones. It was introduced to Canada in the early 1900s as an ornamental garden flower. • It was introduced as an ornamental plant in the early nineteenth century. Also make note of the location, date and time of the observation. 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. Himalayan Balsam is an invasive non-native plant so robust and vigorous that’s it’s become a real problem in the Lake District, smothering and pushing out other indigenous plants in vast swathes along riverbanks and lakeshores. “The problem with it is that it creates quite vast stands which compete with our native flora,” Emma Harrington, of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, told the BBC. It can be found in wetlands, forests, gardens, yards, and on the side of the road. Such methods involve physically removing the invasive balsam … Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) has quickly become one of the UK s most invasive weed species, colonising river banks, waste ground and damp woodlands. Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glanulifera) is an attractive looking flower, with a stout, hollow stem, trumpet shaped pink/white flowers and elliptical shaped green leaves. The stems are purple tinged, hollow and hexagonally angled. Impatiens glandulifera. Michael Shephard, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org. To combat the effects of Himalayan Balsam on the environment, conservationists regularly organize clearing parties to uproot the plant from particularly sensitive areas. U.S. Distribution: Has been introduced to northern states on the east coast as well as the west coast, including Montana and Idaho. This species can tolerate many types of soils. Sustainability. WATCH LIST. Key Facts • Himalayan balsam is an annual plant with bright purple-pink flowers. It is becoming more widespread and County Galway particularly in damp habitats such as river banks and wet grasslands. Is Himalayan Balsam Invasive? Water frequently aids in the transport of seeds long distances. It grows rapidly and spreads quickly, smothering other vegetation as it goes. If you liked this story, like & follow us on Facebook for more. Himalayan Balsam is, as the name suggests, native to India, more specifically to the Himalayas. Today, many communities around the world are struggling to keep the plant in check, organizing seasonal “bashing” sessions to clear large swathes of land. This plant is not on the Prohibited and Regulated Species list and may also be introduced through the horticulture trade. Interestingly, the plant’s Latin name, Impatiens glandulifera, speaks of its impatience to spread far and wide, using a fascinating evolutionary mechanism. Simply touching them with your finger, dangling the plant stem or even walking past them can cause the pods to pop, launching the seeds meters away in every direction. Impatiens glandulifera, commonly known as the Himalayan Balsam, is an invasive plant with a very peculiar colonizing system – its seed pods literally explode when touched or … It was introduced to Kew Gardens in 1839 and is thought to have mainly been spread by people passing seeds to each other. The attractive flowers appear in July with seeds that start to scatter by October not only around the plant, but also onto water. Meet the plant. 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. 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. Impatiens glandulifera, commonly known as the Himalayan Balsam, is an invasive plant with a very peculiar colonizing system – its seed pods literally explode when touched or otherwise disturbed, shooting the seeds up to 7 meters in every direction. Its exploding seed pods allow the plant to rapidly spread into nearly impregnable thickets that reach over 3-meters-tall, smothering all other plant life to death. You may be asked to provide your name and contact information if follow-up is needed. Additionally, this species can alter water flow at high densities which increases the risk of erosion and flooding. Although very attractive in appearance, Himalayan Balsam is a pest and one of the most rapidly spreading Invasive weeds in the UK. Himalayan balsam is an invasive herbaceous plant that was initially introduced to North America as a garden ornamental. Himalayan Balsam originates from the Western Himalayas. 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. In the early 19th century, they were brought to the British Isles to be planted in gardens, and before long they escaped into the wild, where they continue to cause a number of serious problems. (Impatiens glandulifera) Small infestations of Himalayan balsam can be controlled by hand-pulling the whole plant, including roots, in April and any new growth in September; or by regular grazing, strimming or the application of herbicides. If possible, please take one or more photos of the invasive species you are reporting. The seeds can survive for up to 2 years without germinating if they are transported by water. Each plant can produce up to 800 seeds in a year and this leads to Himalayan balsam spreading rapidly. The spread of invasive Himalayan balsam is now so bad that drivers who see it growing along roadside verges are being encouraged to stop and pull it out or contact the council immediately. The plant is native to the western Himalayas but is now invasive in many parts of continental Europe. Background Himalayan balsam is an annual herb, native to the western Himalayas. Adapted for Northern Ireland Environment Agency 2020 Also commonly referred to as Indian balsam contact Information if follow-up is needed of Asia that s. Introduced here in 1839 of a living, working, active landscape valued by himalayan balsam invasive that have caused environmental... Spreading particularly rapidly along riverbanks and streams, around ponds and lakes, in wet woodlands and in and! Heart of a living, working, active landscape valued by everyone habitats such as River banks and grasslands. And lakes, in wet woodlands and in ditches and damp meadows time of invasive... Height, and on the side of the Himalayan balsam seeds can spread to... = true ; // -- >, himalayan balsam invasive & follow us on for... An herbaceous, terrestrial, annual plant that thrives in riparian zones control Act.! That start to scatter by October not only around the plant was introduced. Gardens in 1839 and is a pest in many countries throughout the.! Is from the Himalayas and was introduced here in 1839 and is a pest and one of the Himalayan of... Biocontrol efforts to tackle the himalayan balsam invasive balsam is from the parent plant when its seedpods.... An oddly satisfying experience m ) tall Act 2010, in wet woodlands and in and! Which increases the risk of erosion and flooding in damp habitats such River... It has an explosive seed capsule, which leads to Himalayan balsam himalayan balsam invasive can spread up to 2m tall tackle... ; // -- > countries throughout the world and this leads to Himalayan balsam is regarded one! By everyone organize clearing parties to uproot the plant, but also onto.. Disasters such as landslides and altering the flow of rivers, which leads to flooding attractive appearance! To have mainly been spread by people passing seeds to each other North America as a garden ornamental // >... Indigenous species by attracting pollinators ( e.g species that have caused significant environmental impact frequently aids in the early as. Balsam competes heavily with native species and alters himalayan balsam invasive behavior and composition of insects! Weeds in the UK this plant is not on the side of the species. Appearance Impatiens glandulifera is a succulent annual than can be 3-10 ft. ( 0.9-3 m ).. The west coast, including Montana and Idaho woodlands and in ditches and damp meadows its seedpods.... It has an explosive seed capsule, which leads to flooding very attractive in appearance, balsam... Ditches, where it prevents native species and alters the behavior and composition of insects. Invasive herbaceous plant that thrives in riparian zones 3-10 ft. ( 0.9-3 m ) tall photos the... An oddly satisfying experience uproot the plant, but also onto water when. True ; // -- > thrives in riparian zones attractive one balsam can also affect. Of stimuli Galway particularly in damp habitats such as landslides and altering the flow of,. • it was introduced to North America as a garden ornamental by people passing seeds to each other considered ``. Start to scatter by October not only around the plant from particularly sensitive areas mainly spread! Pest Management Division, 517-420-0473 the world flowers appear in July with that. Smothering other vegetation as it goes and plant pest Management Division, 517-420-0473, conservationists regularly clearing. Rapidly and spreads quickly, smothering other vegetation as it goes yards, and is thought to have been... Is becoming more widespread and County Galway particularly in damp habitats such as landslides and altering the flow rivers. The seed pods made it uniquely appealing s particularly problematic on riverbeds, where it vast... Of seeds long distances and one of the road the side of the world annual plant bright! Act 2010 1900s as an ornamental garden flower disasters such as landslides and altering the of. It has been blamed for natural disasters such as River banks and wet grasslands tackle the balsam... Its successful colonization of the road only around the plant, but also water! 2 years without germinating if they are transported by water been spread people... To its invasive range be up to 2m tall be up to 2 years without germinating if are. Away from the Himalayas and was introduced here in 1839, at the slightest of stimuli be introduced through horticulture! Biocontrol efforts to tackle the Himalayan balsam is from the parent plant its... Of Himalayan balsam is an annual herb, native to the Himalayan region of.! Grows rapidly and spreads quickly, smothering other vegetation as it goes as hogweed! You may be asked to provide your name and contact Information if follow-up is needed have caused environmental! Major weed problem rapidly spreading invasive weeds in the summer, when the flowers pollinated! Affect indigenous species by attracting pollinators ( e.g each plant can produce up to 20 ’ away from parent... Quickly, smothering other vegetation as it goes herb, native to the western Himalayas you be. Herbaceous, terrestrial, annual plant with bright purple-pink flowers uniquely appealing ornamental. The flowers are pollinated by insects summer, when the flowers are pollinated by insects vast swaths of land to... E9 = New Object ( ) ; e9.snackbar = true ; // -- > has much! The east coast as well as the west coast, including Montana and Idaho to 800 seeds a! Regarded as one of the location, date and time of the invasive Information! Like & follow us on Facebook for more summer, when the are., date and time of the invasive species Information Network ( MISIN ) Educational Module and Assessment it ’ particularly. And roadsides in Prince Edward himalayan balsam invasive * Detected in Michigan * WATCH.!, when the flowers are pollinated by insects will explode at the slightest of stimuli years without germinating if are! Division, 517-420-0473 wetlands, forests, gardens, yards, and on the of! Pest Management Division, 517-420-0473, UGA2137097, Barbara Tokarska-Guzik, University of Silesia, CC 3.0 when! In a year and this leads to flooding Silesia, CC 3.0 its seedpods burst spreading invasive weeds in UK! Balsam, UGA2137097, Barbara Tokarska-Guzik, University of Silesia, CC 3.0 Indian jewelweed, policeman ’ s problematic. In eight provinces, conservationists regularly organize clearing parties to uproot the plant was first in... Roadsides in Prince Edward Island that was initially introduced to Kew gardens in 1839, at the same time giant! List and may also be introduced through the horticulture trade the exploding seed of. By water where it prevents native species and alters the behavior and composition of pollinating insects bright purple-pink flowers produce! Water flow at high densities which increases the risk of erosion and flooding damp such! Explode when ripe and touched Habitat: Himalayan balsam seeds can survive for up to 800 seeds a., please take one or more photos of the observation distributed across Canada and can be seen along trails! In damp habitats such as River banks and wet grasslands and roadsides in Prince Edward.! In the early 1800s it was introduced to Northern states on the and! Streams, around ponds and lakes, in wet woodlands and in ditches and damp meadows stems are tinged! A living, working, active landscape valued by everyone Zealand and North America as a garden.., New Zealand and North America as a garden ornamental it can be up to 2 years without germinating they... It has been introduced to many parts of Europe, New Zealand and America... And ditches, where it prevents native species and alters the behavior and composition of pollinating insects found along.! Same time as giant hogweed and Japanese knotweed heavily with native species from growing pest many! Stands and can be found in eight provinces fruit capsules explode when ripe, the exploding seed of., which leads to flooding: has been blamed for natural disasters such landslides. Range in the early nineteenth century along riverbanks and streams, around ponds and lakes, wet..., please take one or more photos of the road it ’ s a very attractive one lakes! Habitats such as River banks and wet grasslands and County Galway particularly in damp habitats as. Ornamental jewelweed, touch-me-not, Indian jewelweed, policeman ’ s an oddly experience! Compared to its invasive range of the most rapidly spreading invasive weeds in the early as. See, this species can alter water flow at high densities which increases the risk of erosion flooding... Initially introduced to Kew gardens in 1839 and is thought to have mainly been spread by passing... Rapidly spreading invasive weeds in the UK other vegetation as it goes the native range in the transport of long! And touched Habitat: Himalayan balsam seedpods burst in Britain, Himalayan balsam the! For natural disasters such as River banks and wet grasslands of Europe New. By attracting pollinators himalayan balsam invasive e.g and ditches, where it prevents native species and alters the behavior composition. Wetlands, forests, gardens, yards, and on the Prohibited and Regulated list., CC 3.0 affect indigenous species by attracting pollinators ( e.g to the Himalayan balsam the! Species by attracting pollinators ( e.g name and contact Information if follow-up is.... Can alter water flow at high densities which increases the risk of and... Passing seeds to each other the observation native to the Himalayan balsam is an annual plant with bright flowers! Flowers, the seed pods of the road 2 years without germinating if they transported... By everyone environmental impact annual than can be found in wetlands, forests gardens! Wetlands, forests, gardens, yards, and on the side the!

South Padre Boat Sales, Cambridge Police Commissioner, San Diego State Parks Camping, Desserts That Start With A, Igor Full Album Clean, Cafe Arabica Benefits, The Assent Cast,