himalayan balsam invasive

Is Himalayan balsam invasive?

A non-native invasive plant. Himalayan balsam spreads quickly as it can project its seeds up to four metres. ... Many seeds drop into the water and contaminate land and riverbanks downstream, but the explosive nature of its seed release means it can spread upstream too.

Why is Himalayan balsam a problem?

But Himalayan balsam is a problematic plant. It competes with native plants for light, nutrients, pollinators and space, excluding other plants and reducing biodiversity. It dies back in the winter, leaving river banks bare and open to erosion.

Is Himalayan balsam dangerous?

Himalayan balsam presents no physical danger to either humans or animals. It does, however, provide a significant ecological impact since it grows in dense stands that suppress native grasses and other flora. In the autumn the plants die off leaving riverbanks bare and highly susceptible to erosion.

How do I get rid of Himalayan balsam?

The best time is early to mid-summer, before the seeds have matured. The most effective method of controlling Himalayan balsam is cutting and hand pulling. If you're getting rid of Himalayan balsam plants by hand, let the cut plants lie on the ground in the sun for a few days to dry out and die before composting them.

Is it illegal to grow Himalayan balsam?

It is illegal to plant or allow Himalayan Balsam to grow in the wild and is listed under Schedule 9 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If you have Himalayan Balsam growing in your garden, you must control it in order that it does not spread.

Does Himalayan balsam smell?

Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is known to many people as an attractive plant with a familiar sweet scent, and a reputation for being a good nectar source for bees.

Can you eat Himalayan balsam?

Use as a food The seedings, young shoots, leaves, flowers are all edible with caution - see Hazards. They can be eaten raw or cooked. ... Hazards Himalayan Balsam contains high amounts of minerals, so should not be consumed in great quantities.

How can you tell Himalayan balsam?

How to Identify Himalayan Balsam.

The Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is an upright, annual plant.
It has long, pointed leaves which have serrated edges and grow in pairs or whorls of three along the stems.
The stems may be green or a striking red, often a mixture of the two.

Is Himalayan balsam the same as Japanese knotweed?

Just like Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam is a fast grower; it can quickly cover a large area and grow as tall as 2.5 metres. And like Japanese Knotweed, it also has a hollow stem.

What type of weeds are the most difficult to get rid of?

Perennial weeds are the most difficult to get rid of. They spread by both seed and creeping roots and if you don't pull the entire root, the plant can actually reproduce from every little root piece left behind.

What are the worst weeds?

5 worst weed. Mulch heavily if you're dealing with Bermuda grass, the No. 3 worst garden weed. Watch out for ground ivy!
...
Plus, download a free poster to help you ID the 22 worst weeds (including 12 not discussed here).

Bermuda Grass. ...
Bindweed. ...
Chickweed. ...
Ground Ivy. ...
Canada Thistle. ...
Burdock. ...
Quack Grass. ...
Johnson Grass.

What are the worst weeds to get rid of?

Gardening: How do you get rid of three of the worst weeds?

Bindweed. Probably the most prevalent of weeds in the average garden is bindweed, a rampant strangler which twirls itself around prize plants and produces funnel-shaped white flowers of its own. ...
Ground elder. ...
Couch grass.

How long are Himalayan balsam seeds viable?

Once established in the catchment of a river the seeds, which can remain viable for two years, are transported further afield by water.

Is Himalayan balsam good for bees?

Himalayan Balsam is a good nectar source, and because it flowers late, it is widely loved by beekeepers. However, it is such a good source of nectar that often bees will visit Himalayan Balsam in preference to native plants.

Is Balsam a herbaceous plant?

Since Balsam is a herbaceous plant, it wilts during mid-day even if the soil is well-watered.

Do goats eat Himalayan balsam?

Our Goats love eating Himalayan Balsam which is good as there is plenty about.

What is Balsam bashing?

Balsam Bashing is a quick an easy way to remove balsam without the need for specialist equipment or weed killers. ... The roots of Himalayan balsam are very shallow and the stem of the plant is hollow, making the plant easy to remove from the ground.

Is Himalayan balsam notifiable?

Himalayan Balsam is also covered by the Environmental Protection Act (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991. Under this legislation, any plant material of these species, and any soil contaminated with them, is classed as “controlled waste”. ... Himalayan Balsam is not a notifiable weed.

How do you plant balsam?

Balsam needs moist, well-drained soil and performs best in partial shade locations. Amend the soil with compost and break up clods before transplanting young balsam. Spacing is 12 to 18 inches (30-46 cm.) apart.

Can you eat Japanese knotweed?

They are tart, crunchy, and juicy; can be eaten raw or cooked; and can lean sweet or savory, depending on how they're prepared. So knotweed is in many ways the perfect thing to forage: It tastes good, it's easy to find, and, unlike many wild edibles, it's at zero risk of being over-harvested.