Impatiens grandulifera
- Himalayan Balsam
This escapee from Victorian gardens has
covered much of Britain, and it spreads particularly rapidly along riverbanks.
In spring tiny seedlings emerge, and at that time they are most easily
destroyed by pulling them out and burning them.
The attractive flowers appear in July, and by October their ripe pods have
burst scattering seeds not only around the plant but also onto the water. That is why
control is only feasible by starting in the headwater streams and working down to the
estuary... a mammoth task.
Himalayan balsam is an annual and every year new plants grow from seed,
but they soon reach and often exceed head height.
Wildflowers of Wales
This wildflower is one of many dozens that are featured in the First Nature Guide to the
Wonderful Wildflowers of Wales, Volume 4 - Watersides and Wetlands.
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