It self-sows vigorously, and takes over any area where it seeds, driving out native plants. We balsam bash before the plant flowers to prevent seeding, but once it flowers, the seeds will develop even if you pull it up.

In it he mentions that the seeds are eaten, having a nutty flavour. Legal status - Republic of Ireland At present, there are no specific legislative provisions that directly govern Himalayan balsam control or removal in the Republic of Ireland. Himalayan balsam. It is the tallest annual growing in the UK. Himalayan Balsam - Impatiens glandulifera Edible plant with caution - novice Other common names: Indian Balsam, Nuns, Jumping Jacks, Bobby Tops, Copper Tops, Gnome’s Hatstand, Jewelweed, Ornamental Jewelweed, Policeman’s Helmet, Kiss-me-on-the-Mountain Scientific name meaning: Impatiens originates from Latin and means "impatient". The flowers are also edible and are used in jellies and wines. As with many “invasive species” (american signal crayfish and himalayan balsam spring to mind), knotweed gets an awful press – in my opinion some way beyond the actual problems it causes. 2. Himalayan Balsam is the tallest annual plant in the UK growing up to 3 metres in height a year. Identification. How To Revive Dying Plant : Best Solutions For Any Issue a Plant Can Have. The plant is an annual, so if caught early it quickly vanishes. By foraging for this free food you can help your budget and the environment. The green seed pods, seeds, young leaves and shoots are all edible and are traditionally used in curries in its native Himalayan region. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from September to October. Himalayan Balsam is tolerant of shade and it is now impossible to map the location of rivers using distribution maps of Himalayan Balsam because it has moved into woodland habitats and moist soils too. Growing and spreading rapidly, it successfully competes with native plant species for space, light, nutrients and pollinators,… The more seeds we eat, the fewer seeds there will remain to spread this plant. It is hardy to zone (UK) 2 and is not frost tender. Plant database entry for Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) with 30 images, 3 comments, and 27 data details.

It grows rapidly and spreads quickly, smothering other vegetation as it goes. Traditional control methods are currently inadequate in controlling Himalayan balsam in the UK. Himalayan balsam was introduced as a garden plant in 1839, but soon escaped and became widely naturalised along riverbanks and ditches, especially close to towns.

This plant is the least harmful of our three main invasive species. Himalayan balsam is an annual, so the big problem is the seeds, not the plant itself.

Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) has rapidly become one of the UK’s most widespread invasive weed species, colonising river banks, waste land, damp woodlands, roadways and railways. I first came across the reference in Sir George Watt’s six volume ‘A Dictionary of Economic Products of India’ 1889-1896. Introduction Himalayan balsam is an attractive, non-native invasive terrestrial plant species. Never forget that a multi-million pound industry has sprung up around controlling it. Land managers often give up when faced with controlling Himalayan balsam over a large area due to… 5. Identification. Himalayan Balsam is the tallest annual plant in the UK growing up to 3 …

I found this plant Very interesting!

Himalayan Balsam is a tasty plant commonly eaten as curry in its native Northern India. Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) has been eaten in India for hundreds of years. To fight Himalayan balsam, plants must be chopped down, or pulled up as they come into flower in June or July. This industry has financial reasons for vilifying it and no reason to get rid of it completely. The Himalayan Balsam is a very adaptable survivor, to the rear of my border in amongst the Atlantic Delpiniums, (which I've removed the flower stems from as they are over and done with,) there are maybe a hundred HB's, but they are only max 18 inches tall and single stemmed, yet over in the wet ground with the montbretia (now there's a plant you cant get rid of) and the various flavours of mints and aqualigia …