Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), NS Museum Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) |
Himalayan Balsam Control Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is an invasive annual plant that grows up to 3 metres in height with showy pink/purplish orchid-looking flowers. Native to the Himalayas, this plant was first recorded in Canada in 1901, in Ottawa, Ontario. Today the plant is found in Nova Scotia and seven other provinces. Why Control It? Himalayan Balsam can quickly take over wet or moderately damp areas of the park, pushing-out Acadian forest plants and can lower the biodiversity of the park. Removing the plant before it blooms and vigilent monitoring and removal of future plants is the best way to control it in Point Pleasant Park. Although easier to control than Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam is aggressive and grows easily from seed. Spotted Jewelweed, Touch-me-not The orange-flowered type of this plant is Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis). Also known as Touch-me-not, this plant is native to parts of Canada and to the Acadian forest. Spotted Jewelweed grows under similar conditions as Himalayan Balsam, but it is not considered as aggressive or invasive. Both plants share the remarkable ability to spread their seeds by explosive pods that form later in the summer. Are you interested in reading more? |