Himalayan Balsam - Identification, Treatment, Control, Management & Removal
Invasive Weeds > | Giant Hogweed | Ragwort | Himalayan Balsam | Buddleia | Ivy Removal |
The non-native, purplish-pink, Himalayan balsam grows in dense stands which overshadow surrounding plants. It needs to be heavily managed by cutting down the plant before it seeds.
Download the excellent Identification Guide to Himalayan Balsam produced by Defra
The video below was produced by thepoisongarden.co.uk for Identification of Himalayan Balsam
How We can Help
Himalayan balsam is an aggressive, non-native plant. It grows in dense stands, starving competing native plants of light. In winter, when the plant dies back, the river is vulnerable to excessive erosion due to a lack of other plants to bind the soil. It also produces phenomenal amounts of nectar - attracting pollinating insects away from native UK species..
The best way control of Himalayan Balsam is to prevent the plant from seeding. Grazing, pulling or cutting the plants before seed heads have formed is the way forward.. Management is required annually until there is no more growth.
We have been dealing with Himalayan Balsam infestations for a number of years on behalf of property developers and local councils such as Camden. Our research has shown that the plant seeds are viable for just one year. Effective strimming, cutting, pulling and up rooting before seeding can achieve complete eradication in one season. Close site supervison is necessary as seedlings can sprout up as late as November.
Download the excellent Himalayan Balsam Control Methods
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