Impatiens glandulifera
Himalayan balsam may look pretty, but it’s causing serious damage to our rivers and woodlands.
Originally introduced to the UK in 1839 as a garden ornamental, this invasive plant has escaped into the wild—and it’s thriving in the damp conditions along riverbanks and in shaded woodland.
In ecologically sensitive areas like the Eden catchment, Himalayan balsam is more than just a nuisance:
Balsam can grow up to 2.5m tall!
Each plant can produce up to 800 seeds in seed pods – that’s a lot of new plants growing next year
In late summer, the seed pods explode, shooting their seeds up to 7m away!
Himalayan balsam has shallow roots, making it easy to pull up and crush so it doesn’t regrow. The best time to do this is late spring to summer, before the seed pods develop. Whether you're out for a walk or joining a community event, every plant pulled makes a difference!
Download our balsam bashing guide and watch Ali demonstrate the technique.
We’ve produced a colourful book for children that includes a poem, Adventurous Salmon game and lots of information about Himalayan balsam – what it is, where it came from, why it is such a problem and what can be done about it … and St. Bede’s Catholic Primary in Carlisle has made a film of the book!
We’ve produced a colourful book for children that includes a poem, Adventurous Salmon game and lots of information about Himalayan balsam – what it is, where it came from, why it is such a problem and what can be done about it … and St. Bede’s Catholic Primary in Carlisle has made a film of the book!
