Who discovered Himalayan balsam?

Who discovered Himalayan balsam?

Colonising rail and river banks, wastelands and woodlands, Himalayan balsam was introduced to the British Isles in 1839 by Victorian plant hunters who were keen on its beautiful pink flowers and exploding seed pods. The plant has had plenty of time to establish in the UK and, over the last 50 years, has spread rapidly.

Where is Himalayan balsam originally from?

Asia
The Himalayan balsam is an annual plant native to the Himalayan region of Asia. It was introduced to North America in the early 1800s as an ornamental plant and as a hitchhiker in the ballast water of ships.

Is Himalayan balsam poisonous?

Himalayan balsam presents no physical danger to either humans or animals. It does, however, provide a significant ecological impact since it grows in dense stands that suppress native grasses and other flora.

How do I get rid of Himalayan balsam?

Himalayan balsam can be controlled by spraying the foliage with glyphosate. The plants should be sprayed in the spring before flowering but late enough to ensure that germinating seedlings have grown up sufficiently to be adequately covered by the spray. Glyphosate is sold under a number of brand names.

Where is Himalayan balsam found?

the Himalayas
As its name suggests, Himalayan balsam is from the Himalayas and was introduced here in 1839. It now an invasive weed of riverbanks and ditches, where it prevents native species from growing.

What is the common name for Himalayan balsam?

common names Himalayan balsam, Policemen’s Helmet, Poor Man’s Orchid, Himalayan Impatiens, Ornamental Jewelweed, Kiss-me-on- the-mountain, Indian touch-me-not, Indian balsam.

Why is Himalayan balsam a problem?

It has a negative effect on native plants by shading them out. Then come winter when the plant dies back, it leaves the ground bare and vulnerable to erosion. One of the biggest problems caused by Himalayan Balsam is the damage is causes to habitats along banks and riversides, such as fish spawning beds.

Is Himalayan balsam illegal?

It is illegal to plant or allow Himalayan Balsam to grow in the wild and is listed under Schedule 9 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If you have Himalayan Balsam growing in your garden, you must control it in order that it does not spread.

Is Himalayan balsam an orchid?

The Environment Agency, Plantlife, Wildlife Trusts and the National Trust all say the species is a headache, and its total removal could cost as much as £300m. But, with its pink orchid-like flowers, it is also attractive to many people.

Is Indian balsam the same as Himalayan balsam?

Also known as ‘Indian balsam’, Himalayan balsam is originally from the Himalayas. This has earned it the charming nickname of ‘Kiss-me-on-the-mountain’ in some parts of the UK.

How do you stop Himalayan balsam from spreading?

How Can You Stop the Spread:

1. Learn to identify Himalayan Balsam.
2. Do not plant Himalayan Balsam in gardens or landscaping.
3. Dispose of Himalayan Balsam plants in the garbage.
4. When walking or hiking, stay on marked trails, keep pets on a leash to reduce the spread of seeds.

Why is Himalayan balsam illegal?

During winter, when the plant dies back, it leaves the ground sparse and unstable increasing the risk of erosion. It is illegal to plant or allow Himalayan Balsam to grow in the wild and is listed under Schedule 9 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.