Himalayan Balsam - bash or not

[rscott74]

Himalayan Balsam seems to be appearing everywhere what should be done about it?

[Jez]

Prefers damp position and grows abundantly on riversides but where it's prolific in sssi areas control at least to keep in check

[almostnormal]

the problem with himalayan balsam is its prolific nature, and its ability to out compete everything else. it needs to be controlled upstream and before it flowers, otherwise it continues to spread. one of my collaegues (who really ought to know better) like to pop the seed pods, and of course that spreads it miles. get rid off it all!

[xestop1]

HB is prolific in my part of the world and I do not approve. However I really wonder whether it has found a habitat that only nettles (due to high nutrient levels) or nothing (cos to ephemeral bare ground by rivers) would inhabit...just a thought.

[AlanS]

Originally Posted by xestop1

HB is prolific in my part of the world and I do not approve. However I really wonder whether it has found a habitat that only nettles (due to high nutrient levels) or nothing (cos to ephemeral bare ground by rivers) would inhabit...just a thought.

This is indeed my own impression. There are some big populations near me but I am not yet convinced that it is displacing native vegetation. I suppose it must be in places, but I do not yet see it in the same category as Rhododendron, New Zealand Pigmyweed and a small number of other species that are causing real ecological damage.

Alan

[almostnormal]

Originally Posted by AlanS

This is indeed my own impression. There are some big populations near me but I am not yet convinced that it is displacing native vegetation. I suppose it must be in places, but I do not yet see it in the same category as Rhododendron, New Zealand Pigmyweed and a small number of other species that are causing real ecological damage.

Alan

the problem up here is it grows along river banks that were initially full of other flowers, and now nothing except the nettles and himalayan balsam grows. in some places it might not be problematic, but it invades everywhere here, conservation headlands, heges, grassy areas....i agree its not quite up to pigmyweed/knotweeed/rhododendron standard yet, but ive it a few years. i think we need to act now before its too late.

[svenrufus]

Originally Posted by xestop1

HB is prolific in my part of the world and I do not approve. However I really wonder whether it has found a habitat that only nettles (due to high nutrient levels) or nothing (cos to ephemeral bare ground by rivers) would inhabit...just a thought.

No, there are many sites where diverse flora is replaced by monoculture of HB. It is prolific and it is a problem. By crowding out the other vegetation, it also affects the fauna that use the area. There was a site I came across in the Midlands a few years ago - I forget exactly where now - wher the HB had replaced the fauna along such a stretch of waterway that water voles had had to up sticks and were no longer recorded along that stretch.
Vile evil stuff, it must be destroyed.

[tucuxi]

It can be a real problem - this is the best advise on its control

Control: Control measures should aim to prevent flowering and if this is achieved before seeds are set, eradication is possible in two to three years.

Chemical control: can use glyphosate or 2,4-D amine. Need to be used whilst plant is actively growing in early spring for best effect.

Cutting/mowing/strimming: cut at ground level using a scythe, before the flowering stage in June. Do not cut earlier as this promotes greater seed production in any plants that regrow. Cutting should be repeated annually until no more growth occurs.

Pulling: shallow-rooted plants can be pulled up very easily and disposed of by burning or composting, unless seeds are present.

Grazing: Grazing by cattle and sheep is effective from April throughout the growing season. It should be continued until no new growth occurs.

[Gill Catton]

I have chosen control rather than eradicate purely because I suspect eradication is not possible. I'd prefer eradication, even if it means more nettles after all lots of things like nettles

[Walksfar]

Looked at in isolation it's a pretty plant BUT we'd be better off with Triffids! This weed (for that is what it has become) has taken over large stretches of the River Weaver where I live, including many brooks and streams that lead off it. I also visit Snowdonia regularly and to my continuing dismay over the last few years, it has spread like wildfire along the River Conway and is now spreading to many other rivers and watercourses. In places you can no longer sit on the river banks, so dense is it.

Last year I asked the Cheshire Wildlife Trust what their policy was towards it considering their own policy on the various schemes for otters and water voles that they have implemented. Their response was depressing; they don't have a policy and were very blasé about dealing with the problem. I think someone needs to talk to them and explain the definition of ecosystems. I certainly won't be joining an organisation that is so ignorant of such issues. Honestly, you couldn't make it up, could you?