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Impatiens glandulifera

Himalayan balsam

Description

Himalayan balsam  is a large annual plant native to the Himalayas. Due to human introduction, it is now found throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere and is considered an invasive species in many areas. Uprooting or cutting plants is an effective means of control. In Europe, it has been included in the list of invasive non-native species of Union concern since 2017. It grows to a height of 1 to 2 m with a slightly green or red-tinged stem and lance-shaped leaves 5 to 23 cm long. Crushed leaves have a strong musty smell. Under the leaf stems, the plant has glands that produce sticky, sweet-smelling, and edible nectar. The flowers are pink. After flowering between June and October, the plant produces seed pods 2 to 3 cm long and 8 mm wide), which explode when disturbed] seeds up to 6-7 metres.

Symptom

Crushed leaves have a strong musty smell. Under the leaf stems, the plant has glands that produce sticky, sweet-smelling, and edible nectar. The flowers are pink.

Tree Species: Different tree species

Part of a plant- attacked: Roots

Pest significance: Harmful

Pest Category: Other, Invasive plants

Invasive Species: Yes

Present in EU: Yes