HIMALAYAN BALSAM

Before we left Cornwall in 2006 I had only see one Himalayan Balsam plant in the locality but this year we were greeted by a profusion of growth and flowers. 

The following below is what research told me. “Introduced to the UK in 1839, Himalayan balsam is now a naturalised plant, found especially on riverbanks and in waste places where it has become a problem weed. Himalayan balsam tolerates low light levels and also shades out other vegetation, so gradually impoverishing habitats by killing off other plants. It is sometimes seen in gardens, either uninvited or grown deliberately, but care must be taken to ensure that it does not escape into the wild. Himalayan balsam is considered an invasive non-native plant and is listed on Schedule 9. Under the provisions made within Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence to plant or cause Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) to grow in the wild.  The flowers of Himalayan balsam produce large amounts of nectar and are therefore very attractive to numerous bee species.” This last small paragraph I can endorse as being true. 

Two storms passed through in August and this food source was invaluable to the insects and bees. I was aware of their invasive nature and took out the seed heads to be burnt. Next year we will be there earlier and will take action to remove them. I am aware of the insect value and we will endeavour to provide other sources of nectar and pollen. 

The advice below came from the RHS and is a practical non-poisonous way of dealing with the problem.“The main method of non-chemical control, and usually the most appropriate, is pulling or cutting the plants before they flower and set seed. Conservation authorities regularly organise 'balsam bashing' work parties to clear the weed from marshland and riverbanks. ‘Himalayan balsam can be controlled by spraying the foliage with glyphosate. ‘This is not the way I would deal with this plant.