Himalayan balsam
Himalayan balsam is a non-native weed that spreads crowding out other native plants, it can grow very tall.
The balsam plants come into flower from June through to August and that is the time to pull them up before they set seed. Balsam can be found beside streams, wetlands and in woodland areas, it grows in damp conditions.
Pulling up a small amount in the same area over a few years will eradicate it and allow native flowers to grow back. While out and about walking and exploring why not give nature a helping hand?
The pulling up of Himalayan balsam is carried out as an environmentally positive thing to do when out and about on a walk through the woods or beside the river in public open space. It is not advocated that individuals go off the beaten track or into private land but stay near to footpaths and within public open space. It is a quick activity done as and when people want to over a short time period and is not envisaged that someone will spend hours and hours on this.
How to identify Himalayan balsam
Himalayan balsam is easy to identify by the shape of the leaves, stem and pink flowers. When identifying balsam, look out for:
- pink flower blooms that are sweetly scented
- a height up to 3m tall when fully grown
- stem is hollow, sappy, fleshy and brittle
- leaves are dark green with reddish mid rib
- explosive seed heads.
View more information on Himalayan balsam on the Non-native species secretariat website.
If you pull up balsam the best practice is to crush the root nodules so that the plant cannot re-root. Please pile it carefully to the side of the paths, away from mown areas and it will quickly rot down. Focusing on the same specific areas that are important to you and wildlife over a period of few years is the best way to combat this invasive weed.