Habitat

River banks, damp woodland and other damp habitats.

Key ID features

• A tall (up to 2m) annual plant with scented pink flowers. 

• Grows in dense stands. 

• Slender leaves with serrated edges grow on hollow, brittle stems which are often pink-red. 

• In late summer ripe seed heads explode. In winter it can be identified from hay-like remains and distinctive, persistent roots.

Distribution

Widespread and common across the whole of the UK.

Impacts

Out-competes native species by forming dense stands, which can impede river flow increasing flood risk. Die back over winter can leave river banks bare and exposed to erosion. 

Do’s & Don’ts

• DON’T break the law - It is a criminal offence under the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement & Permitting) Order 2019 to plant or cause the growth of Himalayan balsam. This could happen through moving soils or other plant material that contain seeds of the plant. 

• DON’T disturb the seedpods. Before seed heads ripen, hand pull and leave on a sheet to dry or cut / strim below the first node and leave to dry. Can be composted or burned (in line with local restrictions) once completely dried.

• DO - Himalayan balsam must be securely contained and disposed of at a licensed waste disposal site if it is to be removed from the site.

More Information

For more information visit the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat website.