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Part of Invasive aquatic plants

Himalayan balsam

Himalayan balsam can reduce habitat for native wetland plant and animal species.

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Invasive aquatic plants

Place of origin

Native to India, Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) was likely introduced to North America as an ornamental plant. Himalayan balsam has been found in Alberta along water bodies.

Habitat

Grows in moist, nutrient rich soil and thrives in disturbed riparian habitats and wet woodlands.

Identification

Large stand of Himalayan Balsam with purple flowers.

Himalayan Balsam flowers on a large bush.

Himalayan Balsam flowers on ground from white to pink.

Colour variation of Himalayan Balsam flowers.

Himalayan Balsam stand in front of grated concrete canal.

A Himalayan Balsam stand in front of a storm drain. 

Himalayan balsam flower from front view

Himalayan balsam flower from front view.

Top view showing leaf arrangement in circle.

Himalayan balsam leaves arranged in a whorl around the stem from top view.

  • Himalayan balsam leaves are simple, oblong-shaped with serrated edges, arranged oppositely on a square, hollow stem.
  • Leaf veins and stems have red to purple tinges. Flowers are irregular with 5 purple to pink to white petals and resemble an English policeman's helmet.
  • Round brown seeds are released explosively when a ripened capsule is disturbed or dried.

Reproduction

Himalayan balsam is only able to reproduce by seed; however, a single plant can produce up to 4,000 seeds that launch up to 10 m in all directions.

Issues

  • Displaces native vegetation, reducing habitat for wildlife and native plants.
  • Draws pollinators away from native plants.

Current management in Alberta

Control of Himalayan balsam can be difficult, especially once well established. Methods for control or eradication by trained personnel include:

  • careful hand digging for isolated or small populations
  • repeated mechanical cutting
  • chemical treatment

The objective for control is to repeatedly remove the plants before they set seed.

Resources

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