Using the methods we currently have, the Environment Agency has estimated the cost of eradication of Himalayan Balsam from the UK would be around £300 million. Poisoning from this particular plant can cause you to experience; dilated pupils, loss of balance and can lead to hallucinations … Additionally, after dying back in the fall, bare riverbanks are exposed, increasing erosion during higher winter flows. In the early 1800s it was introduced to many parts of Europe, New Zealand and North America as a garden ornamental. Himalayan Balsam is a member of the Balsaminaceae family; also known as Touch-me-not Balsam and Policeman"s Helmet because of the shape of the flowers. This plant is the least harmful of our three main invasive species. Like other balsam flowers, the plant reproduces by seed, and it will put out up to 800 of them every year.These seeds can travel a short distance through the air or miles and miles if they get caught up in a river or stream. This method may also result in non-target plants being killed. Himalayan balsam is the largest annual growing in Britain, reaching up to 3m in a year. Cutting the Himalayan Balsam below the lowest node of the plant is also an option, but mostly Balsam is pulled from the ground by hand. Himalayan balsam plants can grow over 2 m, and its rapid reproduction and growth allow it to dominate local vegetation during the growing season, especially along riverbanks and wetland areas. 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. Small infestations in gardens can be controlled by hand pulling other than when seedpods are visible. This method may also result in non-target plants being killed. Himalayan Balsam is a tasty plant commonly eaten as curry in its native Northern India. Eradicating Japanese knotweed In 2010 the government approved a biological control which is an insect that feeds exclusively on Japanese knotweed sap. Visit our events page  to learn more about volunteering on our Friday Balsam Bashes at Parc Slip, or email Lorna Baggett on field.assistant@welshwildlife.org to find out other ways to help. Hopefully the future holds a better solution for controlling this invasive plant in the UK, but for now, we need all the help we can get. Himalayan balsam control by Lizzie Wilberforce. When these die out in the autumn, the ground is left bare and vulnerable to erosion. It’s important to time your Himalayan balsam control so you don’t inadvertently spread more seeds. Why is Himalayan Balsam a problem? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. You can get help with writing your risk assessment. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Himalayan Balsam colonises areas rapidly and quickly outcompetes the … 1091562 | Privacy Policy | COVID-19 Risk Assessment | Our Supporters. 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. Himalayan balsam; Rhododendron ponticum; New Zealand pigmyweed (this is banned from sale) You do not have to remove these plants or control them on your land. Dead plant material can also enter the river, increasing the risk of flooding. Its aggressive seed dispersal, coupled with high nectar production which attracts pollinators, often allow it to outcompete native plants. By foraging for this free food you can help your budget and the environment. Economically, using existing measures, the UK’s Environment Agency estimates that it would cost £300 million to eradicate I. glandulifera from the UK. It is now wide spread along riverbanks but it does occur in gardens. Back in 2014, residents of Flint, Michigan found toxic lead in their tap water, with levels of up to 13,000 times the allotted amount (which is zero for drinking water) in some homes. Himalayan balsam was introduced to the UK in 1839 and is a tall annual reaching, 2-3m (6-10ft) in height. This is often because the plant grows along river banks and for any control measures to be successful, control needs to be undertaken on a catchment scale. Himalayan Balsam is often found in damp soil areas such as along river banks where it forms continuous stands, it can also be found in damp woodland. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. « on: September 22, 2014, 05:16:41 pm » Same story as many parts, had a few bits a few years ago, despite pulling, spraying etc, it's multiplying! Growing and spreading rapidly, it successfully competes with native plant species for space, light, nutrients and pollinators, and … As an annual, Himalayan balsam dies back in the winter, and where the plant grows in riparian systems this can leave river banks bare of vegetation and liable to erosion. 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. Himalayan balsam grows rapidly and spreads quickly, smothering other vegetation as it goes. Himalayan balsam (I. glandulifera) invading habitat along a creek in Hesse. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. So, it’s always worth getting an experts opinion and analysis. How you can tell the difference between Balsam and Knotweed . Upper Tawe Valley & the ‘Wild Communities’ project, Advice on Local Wildlife Sites in South East Wales, Iolo Williams Says Why Everyone Should Join Us, Help us match Glastir Funding for essential works on reserves, Support Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, Parc Slip Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre – Glamorgan, The Welsh Wildlife Centre – Pembrokeshire, Flight of the Kingfisher 360 Wildlife Adventure, Dog Walking on Wildlife Trust Nature Reserves. In the UK it is illegal to plant Himalayan Balsam in the wild or to allow it to spread into the wild. 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.It reaches well over head height, and is a major weed problem. In height be found across much of Britain spreading particularly rapidly along riverbanks it! Worth getting an experts opinion and analysis basic functionalities and security features the... 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