Himalayan balsam
Control, Removal and Eradication
SUMMARY
What's the problem?
- Legal implications
- Invasive non native species
- Rapidity of growth and spread
- Explosive seed pods
- Erosion on river banks
What are the legal implications of Himalayan Balsam?
- Possible fine or prison sentence
- You must not allow Himalayan Balsam to spread onto adjacent land - the owner of that land could take legal action against you
- You must not allow or encourage the spread of Himalayan Balsam - this includes moving contaminated soil from one place to another or incorrectly handling and transporting contaminated material and cuttings
- You do not need to notify anyone
- You are not obliged to remove or treat on your own land
What does it look like?
In Detail
Identification of Himalayan Balsam:
- Reddish coloured stems
- Common on river banks
- Dark green lance shaped leaves with jagged edges
- Large, brightly coloured flowers usually in variable shades of purple and pink
- Flowers June to October
- Grows up to 2m height
- Dies back at end of growing season
- Produces 2500 seeds per plant each year
- Explosive seed pods
Himalayan Balsam plants can produce around 2500 seeds each year. The seedpods open in such a way that the seeds are thrown several metres away from the parent plant, helping the species to rapidly spread - often quoted as 20 metres in all directions per season.
Seeds can also be transported by:
- Water - if parent plant is close to river or stream
- Movements of contaminated soil
- Fishermen/walkers picking up seeds on footwear
