Blog & News


What’s in Bloom? Himalayan Balsam (June – October)

Published on Monday August 8, 2022
Authored by PEIISC

Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), originally from Western Himalayas, was introduced to Canada in the early 1900 as an ornamental garden flower. It is now considered an invasive species and can be seen along Prince Edward Island urban areas, disturbed areas, gardens, and freshwater wetlands. It grows best in full sun but tolerates some shade. Himalayan Balsam germinates earlier than other plants and forms dense stands which makes it hard for native plants to establish.

Fun fact: Himalayan Balsam is also called Policeman’s Helmet! You can find this plant flowering from July until frost. When in flower, Himalayan Balsam has a unique look that is sure to grab your eye.

𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐒𝐟𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐒𝐨𝐧:

𝐅π₯𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬

Deep pink to white colour, sac structure

π’π­πžπ¦π¬

Red Bamboo-like, 2m tall

π‹πžπšπ―πžπ¬

Long, slender, sharply toothed, arranged opposite to one another

π’πžπžπ 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐬

Tear-dropped shaped pods explode, releasing seeds at slightest touch/pressure, earning the name β€œtouch-me-not”