Himalayan Balsam, Impatiens Glandulifera

Himalayan Balsam is known by a variety of different names including Jumping jack, Policeman’s helmet, Indian balsam and Pink peril. It is a non- native species that is highly invasive capable of growing up to 3 metres tall in just 3 months and the ability to rapidly spread partly due to the explosive way it spreads its seeds Each plant can produce up to 800 seeds after 12- 14 weeks of flowering the seed capsules twist and explode shooting its contents up to 7 metres away their seeds are buoyant and capable of germinating in water making Himalayan Balsam a problem along waterways.

Himalayan Balsam thrives in moist areas, mainly along waterways but increasingly along railway verges, road side verges and waste lands. This species can tolerate low light levels and can out compete native plants through ‘shading out’ and destroying diversity within that habitat. This ‘shading out’ of other plant life leads to bare patches when it dies away in the winter leaving banks open to soil erosion, especially river banks.

Appearance

Flowers
Vary from off white to pale pink to purple; that is elaborately shaped resembling that of an orchid or as one of its names suggests an English policeman’s helmet. They produce large amount of nectar which is thought to draw insects away from native plants leading to a reduction in pollination.

Stems
Fresh roots are visible above ground with a red base that changes to a green colour stretching up to 3 metres high. The stem is brittle due to its hollow nature and also contains a high level of moisture.

Leaves
Their leaves have serrated edges they are green and are typically 12 to 16cm long.

Seed pods
The seed capsules react to the slightest disturbance, twisting and exploding projecting the seeds up to 7 metres away. These seeds are buoyant and can germinate in waterways and remain viable for around 2 years.

Himalayan Balsam Treatment and Control

SES invasive species team have experience employing various site specific techniques with regards to time scales, costs and the sites ecological needs . Eradication methods may include combinations of specialist herbicidal treatment and removal by hand or by mechanical means.