Himalayan Balsam
(Impatiens glandulifera)
- Name and Family
- History
- Identification Guide
- What it does in the ecosystem
- Management
- Image Gallery
- References
Name and Family
Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera)
History
Himalayan Balsam originates from the Western Himalayas. It was introduced to Canada in the early 1900s as an ornamental garden flower. It is now considered a pest in many countries throughout the world. It can be seen along several trails and roadsides in Prince Edward Island.
Identification Guide
Himalayan Balsam is fairly easy to identify, especially if it is still in flower. Here are some distinguishing features you can look for.
- Can grow to be 2m tall
- Red bamboo-like stem
- Distinct flower with sac structure
- Flowers are deep pink to white
- Flowers bloom from June– October
- Seed pods is are tear-drop-shaped and the slightest pressure will cause them to explode and release seeds
- Leaves are long, slender, sharply-toothed, and arranged oppositely
- Forms large, dense, stands
What it does in the ecosystem
Coming soon.
Management
Coming soon.
Image Gallery
Distinct deep pink – white flowers with sac structure 
Himalayan Balsam often invades riparian zones. Because the plants have a weak root system, they can cause increased erosion in these areas. 
Stems are red and bamboo-like 
Leaves are long, slender, sharply – toothed and arranged oppositely 
References
Coming soon.