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 Policemanβs 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.
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Deep pink to white colour, sac structure
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Red Bamboo-like, 2m tall
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Long, slender, sharply toothed, arranged opposite to one another
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Tear-dropped shaped pods explode, releasing seeds at slightest touch/pressure, earning the name βtouch-me-notβ
