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HIMALAYANBALSAMSpecies

Height Leaves

Flower

Impatiens GlanduliferaUp to 3m5-18cm long serrated edges pointed tips and green in colour. Grows from stem in pairs or in groups of three

Pink/purple bell shaped, hooded petals andthe strong balsam scent.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

WHAT IS IT?Himalayan balsam was first introduced to the United Kingdom in the 1830s as an ornamental plant. It did not take long for the species to escape and start growing in the wild.

WHAT DAMAGE DOES IT CAUSE?Himalayan balsam can grow tall and in dense clusters. By doing so it can prevent the smaller native plant species from growing as there is not enough light. This causes problems on riverbanks which are dependent on the root systems of the native species to provide stability.

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23

KEY FEATURES

Hooded flowers, pink/purple in colour

Hollow green/red translucent stems

Pointed green leaves elongated with serrated edges

1

2

3

CALL IWA NOW ON 0845 676 9252THINK YOU HAVE A HIMALAYAN BALSAM PROBLEM?

3m2.75m2.5m2.25m2m1.75m1.5m1.25m

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HIMALAYAN BALSAM SPRING/SUMMERSPRING

SUMMER

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CALL IWA NOW ON 0845 676 9252THINK YOU HAVE A HIMALAYAN BALSAM PROBLEM?

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HIMALAYAN BALSAM AUTUMN/WINTERLATE SUMMER/AUTUMN

WINTER

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IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE DISCOVERED HIMALAYAN BALSAM ON OR NEAR YOUR PROPERTY:

HIMALAYAN BALSAM LIFE CYCLE

DO learn what Himalayan balsam looks like! By spotting the early signs of an infestation it can be significantly easier and less costly to treat.

DO restrict access to the infestation! Himalayan balsam disperses its seeds through physical contact and will spread rapidly if disturbed.

DO address any infestations quickly! Himalayan balsam can quickly colonise vast areas in a short space of time. Control of this weed is of great benefit to the environment.

DO respect the environment! Chemicals used to control Himalayan balsam can be harmful so unless you’re qualified to use herbicides then leave it to the experts!

DON’T touch Himalayan balsam! Even slight contact can result in the dispersal of seeds up to 7m from the source.

DON’T uproot! Disturbing the ground where Himalayan balsam is growing can cause more seeds to germinate. Also, it may cause seeds to fall from the plant. Seeds can easily be carried on clothing, footwear and tools to later fall and produce new Himalayan balsam growth.

DON’T dump! Himalayan balsam is classed as controlled waste and must be disposed of at authorised facilities. It is illegal to allow Himalayan balsam to spread in the wild and if disposed of incorrectly you may be liable to prosecution under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

DON’T delay! Every day that passes without taking action or carrying out effective methods of control, Himalayan balsam becomes better established and harder to eliminate. Contact Invasive Weeds Agency Ltd for the solution to your Himalayan balsam problem.

CALL IWA NOW ON 0845 676 9252THINK YOU HAVE A HIMALAYAN BALSAM PROBLEM?

April May June July August September October November DecemberFebruary MarchJanuary

2.5m

1.5m

0.5 m

3m

2m

1m

0m

2.5m

1.5m

0.5m

3m

2m

1m

0m Seed

Plant grows tall

Small pairsof leaves

Seeds formand burst

Plant dies off

Plant dead, remainingseeds fall

Several pairs of leaves

Pairs become sets of three leaves

Full height with pink or white flowers

Seed pods begin to replace flowers