Himalayan Balsom

[Rich]

I am the first to admit that I am not an expert on ecology etc, but then so many who claim to be experts are clearly not.

I am worried about the proliferation of Himalayan Balsom along our river banks. I have seen plenty along the banks of the river Wye, the River Barrow in Ireland and next to the streams around Kearnsey near Dover where locals seem to be growing this invasive plant in their gardens.

Yes, it has beautiful flowers, but I don't like to see it.

[glsammy]

It's a plant that's rife almost everywhere. The River Trent has masses of it by Attenborough Nature Reserve and no doubt many other areas as well. What you can do about it is another matter..

[fbcpmike]

Originally Posted by glsammy

It's a plant that's rife almost everywhere. The River Trent has masses of it by Attenborough Nature Reserve and no doubt many other areas as well. What you can do about it is another matter..

It propagates by seed, from seed pods that explode when ripe. It can be controlled by pulling but now is becoming too late for this year as it is already in flower. For a full description see - http://www.brickfieldspark.org/data/himalayanbalsam.htm

[jezlee]

Yes, it's very widespread around here too ... and spreading rapidly ... yet another case of some bright spark introducing a foreign species to our little island - remember the Grey Squirrel??

[Alan]

Ok so they're spreading. But besides out-competing native plants, do the cause any other problems?

I mean are they poisonous to animals or anything?

[wildone]

Originally Posted by Alan

Ok so they're spreading. But besides out-competing native plants, do the cause any other problems?

I mean are they poisonous to animals or anything?

Both Himalayan and Orange Balsam clog up waterways. They also outcompete our native plants. Not good ideas for garden plants as both are very invasive and will rapidly become something regretted.

[Bushcraft]

Originally Posted by wildone

Both Himalayan and Orange Balsam clog up waterways. They also outcompete our native plants. Not good ideas for garden plants as both are very invasive and will rapidly become something regretted.

The green seed pods of Himalayan Balsom (Impatiens glandulifera) are edible and have a nutty taste, if we eat enough of them it should cure the problem

[Jonny]

Originally Posted by Rich

I am the first to admit that I am not an expert on ecology etc, but then so many who claim to be experts are clearly not.

I am worried about the proliferation of Himalayan Balsom along our river banks. I have seen plenty along the banks of the river Wye, the River Barrow in Ireland and next to the streams around Kearnsey near Dover where locals seem to be growing this invasive plant in their gardens.

Yes, it has beautiful flowers, but I don't like to see it.

No expert, but have personal experience..........30 yrs ago, we as kids used to play besides the river medway in kent, fishing, camp building, raft making ahhhhhhhhhhh, sorry.......
We used to love the himalayan balsam, grabbing hold of the plant and giving it a good shake, to make the seed pods explode, and then having a lovely smell on our hands.
Anyway, my point, I don't see more balsam around these days, which would suggest to me that it is not spreading as bad as the media would suggest.
I know someone will now come on and say, you should see it round here mate, its taken over.......
I have seen some areas that are thick with it, but in my areas it has not increased, too much.
I also have some reservations about it clogging up the waterways, don't all plants ?...............Jon

[Jonny]

Originally Posted by Bushcraft

The green seed pods of Himalayan Balsom (Impatiens glandulifera) are edible and have a nutty taste, if we eat enough of them it should cure the problem

Didn't know that, cheers.............Jon

[Bushcraft]

Originally Posted by Jonny

Didn't know that, cheers.............Jon

Hi Jon,

Yes, its quite a useful plant and pretty too. I rarely see it here in Essex although im sure some parts have more than others. I would be more concerned with the shopping trolleys in the rivers than the few plants that grow along side them. The council here recently retrieved 92 shopping trolleys in a very short stretch of the river, not to mention the fast food wrappers!

Best wishes
Kris