Himalayan Balsam

Title: Himalayan Balsam | Credit: Alex Cagan / Genome Research Limited

Himalayan balsam is a fastgrowing and very successful invasive species that was introduced to the UK in the 19th century for its size and ability to take hold of almost any ground. Its ability to grow quickly to great heights means that it dwarves other plants growing near it, giving them less exposure to sunlight.

A plant with such “invasive splendour”

Himalayan balsam is a fast-growing and very successful invasive species that was introduced to the UK in the 19th century for its size and ability to take hold of almost any ground. Its ability to grow quickly to great heights means that it dwarves other plants growing near it, giving them less exposure to sunlight.

It is a successful pollinator and its seeds can travel great distances. This is helped by their ability to survive in water, enabling them to be carried along a river, establishing the plant in new locations. Himalayan balsam is an annual plant, which means it dies back each year. This can leave exposed ground, leading to erosion on riverbanks, especially when other native species common to the riverbank have been lost.

Pocket Guide to Balsam Bashing

Theo Pike

To tackle the problem of Himalayan balsam, wildlife trusts and armies of volunteers organise “balsam bashing” events to remove the plant from their local areas. This process removes the plant completely to help limit its spread and seeding.

However, there is some debate about how successful this action is, particularly with the sheer number of seeds that one plant can produce. There is concern for the possible effect on the exposed soil if it is left bare. Have you ever been balsam bashing? Should we look after our local area with these activities?

Take a sniff!

The flowers of the Himalayan balsam are known for their strong, sweet-smelling scent. This scent attracts insects, pollinating the balsam and helping it to out-compete other plants by attracting more insects.

Exploding seed pods

Another reason that Himalayan balsam spreads so rapidly is its exploding seed pods. When touched, the pod opens explosively, sending seeds up to 7 metres away. The seeds are also able to float, meaning that they can establish in new locations.