Public information on invasive species in Wales Himalayan balsam Lifecycle Seedlings start to emerge in March and April with the first flowers appearing in June. Himalayan Balsam. It is known to be the largest annual plant in Britain, and you are likely to see it growing along riverbanks and streams due to the rate at which it has spread. Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) has rapidly become one of the UK’s most widespread invasive weed species, colonising river banks, waste land, damp woodlands, roadways and railways. The spread of invasive Himalayan balsam is now so bad that drivers who see it growing along roadside verges are being encouraged to stop and pull it out or contact the council immediately. While it comes from Asia, it has spread into other habitats, where it pushes out native plants and can wreak serious havoc on the environment. Growing and spreading rapidly, it successfully competes with native plant species for space, light, nutrients and pollinators,… The invasive pink plant, Himalayan Balsam, is choking fields, watercourses and verges across the countryside in Shropshire.. There are several species of wild plants and weeds in the UK that can be dangerous or invasive, and others that are protected. It rapidly colonises the river banks and areas ... plant … insects) at the expense of indigenous species. Himalayan Balsam. It is now considered a pest in many countries throughout the world. It was introduced to the UK in 1839 for ornamental purposes but escaped from gardens and became naturalised in Britain in the 1850s. Each plant has the ability to spread over 7 metres every season, making it difficult to eradicate without a coordinated approach, particularly around rivers … Many fields in the area are being overrun by the fast-growing weed, with locals fearing the impact it may have on local wildlife and other plants. A catchment level approach is typically required to achieve longterm control. In July, beautiful, orchid-like flowers, mostly purple or pink but occasionally white, cover its lush green leaves. Himalayan balsam is widely distributed across Canada and can be found in eight provinces. If you've ever wandered along a riverbank, pond or lake, we guarantee you will have seen it at least once! Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed and Himalayan balsam are three of the most common invasive non-native plants in Northern Ireland. It is important to make sure that when disposing of Himalayan balsam, the waste disposal site has a permit to accept and dispose of invasive species. Seedlings emerge Foliage growth It can be seen along several trails … 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. Himalayan balsam is a very attractive but problematic plant, especially in the British Isles. Annual reproduction of this plant occurs in the summer, when the flowers are pollinated by … other plants. Himalayan balsam plants can produce around 2500 seeds each year. It produces much nectar and therefore is attractive to pollinating insects, possibly to the detriment of native flowering plants (which are no longer visited by … Himalayan balsam was introduced as a garden plant in 1839, but soon escaped and became widely naturalised along riverbanks and ditches, especially close to towns. It was introduced into the UK in 1839 as an exotic greenhouse plant. The Himalayan Balsam was introduced in the UK in 1839 as a greenhouse and garden plant, but it only took a few decades for it to escape into the wild. However, due to its invasive nature - the plant spreads rapidly, taking over the native habitat and killing off other native plants - it has become a problem in the UK. Originally introduced by Victorian gardeners in 1839, Himalayan Balsam is now one of the most invasive species in the UK. Himalayan balsam is an invasive herbaceous plant that was initially introduced to North America as a garden ornamental. It is presently found in many countries in continental Europe and throughout the UK. It forms dense clumps which can be up to three metres in height. A very invasive, non-native plant which is illegal to grow or cause the growth of. It was introduced to Canada in the early 1900s as an ornamental garden flower. Impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan balsam); invasive monoculture on the River Taw, North Devon, UK. Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) has quickly become one of the UK s most invasive weed species, colonising river banks, waste ground and damp woodlands. Himalayan Balsam survey, removal & control - Himalayan Balsam is a non-native invasive plant that spreads rapidly and can cause damage to the environment. Himalayan Balsam. These seeds are stored in fruit capsules at the top of the plant, which when mature or prodded explode, spreading them far into the air and over a wide area (up to seven metres). Himalayan balsam (Inpatiens glandulifera) is a large annually growing plant that is native to the Himalayan mountains.Due to human introduction, it has now spread across much of the Northern Hemisphere. Invasive Himalayan balsam can also adversely affect indigenous species by attracting pollinators (e.g. Himalayan balsam was added to this act in April 2009 in England and Wales, and was included in Scotland by the end of 2011. It has a hollow stem, similar to bamboo, but is often flecked with dark purple. Under the Weed Control Act, it is regarded as a “prohibited poisonous weed.” The plant was first brought to the UK in 1839 at the same time as Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed. In Britain, Himalayan balsam is regarded as one of the top-ten most wanted species that have caused significant environmental impact. Introduction. What is Himalayan Balsam? Since its introduction to the UK the plant has spread at a rate of 645 km 2 per year (Perrins et al., 1993 in Weber, 2003). Himalayan balsam grows in dense stands and it shades out and crowds out many native species. Appearance. PHOTO CREDIT. The risk assessment carried out by Invasive Species Ireland identified Himalayan balsam as while removal of Himalayan balsam increases plant diversity, the species that respond most dramatically are commonly other non-native plants. Now found in most areas of the UK, Himalayan balsam has become an invasive non-native species (INNS) in the UK and is most commonly found on ... ornamental plant introduced to the UK by the Victorians in the late 18th Century. Himalayan balsam (sometimes called ... is an annual herb, introduced into the UK in 1839 from northern India. It is a beautiful plant, I shan’t deny that, but it's non-native and - as is a common story - has found its niche in a new world and, without any means of natural control, it has begun a rampage. So expert advice should be your first port of call. It successfully competes with native plant species for space, light, nutrients and pollinators, and excludes other plant growth, thereby reducing native biodiversity. It is fast-growing and spreads quickly, invading wet habitat at the expense of other, native flowers. It produces seedpods from July with ripe seeds being distributed from then until October, when the plant dies having produced up to 800 seeds. It is considered a "prohibited noxious weed" under the Alberta Weed Control Act 2010. Himalayan Balsam Removal Specialists. Himalayan balsam is spreading across the country killing plants in its path and destroying waterways As GOV.UK explains, you can be fined up to £5,000 or be sent to prison for 2 years if you do not properly dispose of Himalayan balsam and other non-native invasive plants. Invasive Himalayan balsam also has an adverse impact on indigenous plants by attracting pollinators like insects. He has plotted its spread around the UK, and the novel reasons for it. Find out more about how to identify Himalayan Balsam. It was introduced to the UK in 1839 and is now a naturalised plant … Weedtec are experts in the control and removal of Himalayan Balsam across the UK, working hard to ensure the removal of all traces as quickly as possible. Learn how to control these plants here. Himalayan balsam, UGA2137097, Barbara Tokarska-Guzik, University of Silesia, CC 3.0. 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