Invasive species like Himalayan balsam

Herd900rd · #1 (**permalink**) 20-10-2011, 03:12 PM

There is a weed growing vigourously in our stream, but I don't think it is Balsam or knotweed. It is about a foot to 2 feet high, but growing out from the bank several feet. The leaves are up to foot long, up to 10 pairs of laterals evenly spaced on a central stem. What are the common water weeds and what do they look like? It seems to have flourished in the last couple of months where what I call cow-parsley has died back. On the plus side I have recently seen dippers along the stretch of stream. I've lived here for over 20 years and it's the first time for me.

diggleken · #2 (**permalink**) 20-10-2011, 03:29 PM

Hi, H, A picture would help!
Any chance?
Cheers
Ken

Kayleigh · #3 (**permalink**) 20-10-2011, 03:35 PM

Hi and welcome to WAB, yes its easier to get a pic of the plant than try to say what grows on the riverbank.

Dorts · #4 (**permalink**) 20-10-2011, 03:50 PM

The only plant I can think of, without seeing a photo is Lesser Water Parsnip; leaf about a foot long with up to 10 pairs of leaflets. Though it is not at all common in the S. West. (if that is where we're talking about).
Let's get that photo, when I'm sure all can be revealed.
Dorts.

Herd900rd · #5 (**permalink**) 20-10-2011, 04:27 PM

Thanks for replying. Will try and get the photo, was told by a local that there is a list of invasive plants (about 12 species) and was hoping somebody would know what they were and post the list, or at least those plants on it likely to be found in a stram. Went through the water plants pictures on the Gallery but nothing resembled, have never really been able to navigate the pictures easily.

The Woodman · #6 (**permalink**) 20-10-2011, 04:32 PM

There's a good image of Dorts suggestion here...
Google Image Result for http://www.british-wild-flowers.co.uk/00%20John%20Somerville/Water-parsnip,-Lesser-1.jpg

Tursiops2 · #7 (**permalink**) 23-10-2011, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Herd900rd

was told by a local that there is a list of invasive plants (about 12 species) and was hoping somebody would know what they were and post the list,

Is this what you mean?
http://www.plantlife.org.uk/uploads/..._Plantlife.pdf

Welcome to the forum
T2

Herd900rd · #8 (**permalink**) 24-10-2011, 05:05 PM

Thanks for all the replies.

These should be enough for a positive ID

Cheers, Herd.

Dorts · #9 (**permalink**) 24-10-2011, 05:52 PM

Well, it looks like my original suggestion of Lesser Water Parsnip - Berula erecta, and although it can form quite large 'clumps', in my experience it is rarely a problem in waterways.
Dorts.

Herd900rd · #10 (**permalink**) 02-11-2011, 10:52 AM

Does the word "parsnip" mean they are edible? I found some white tubers once on a different stream once I was helping to clear and I was tempted to have a nibble (seen too many Ray Mears survival programmes!!). Then somebody said they could be water hemlock which could be fatal. Tubers were about 3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
I might post another photo later to show extent of this lesser water parsnip's spreading. I did look in the Gallery at the picture after you mentioned it and I wasn't convinced. I'll go through them again. Thanks for replying. H.