Young Himalayan Balsam
Across the UK, Himalayan balsam is beginning to appear. The distinctive red, hollow stems and large toothed leaves can be seen in ditches, wasteland and riverbanks nationwide. Its vigorous growth enables it to dominate native species by depriving them of light. Soon, these small Himalayan balsam plants will reach 2 metres in height, ready to spread their seeds further afield. The real threat they pose is evident in winter when they die off, exposing the ground they once dominated. The bare ground is susceptible to erosion from heavy rainfall.
In England and Wales, Himalyan balsam has been added to the 2010 Variation of Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. For further information please look at my last blog entry here.
Let’s tackle this invasive weed before it produces seeds this year!
For advice and assistance on weed control and knotweed eradication please call Invasive Weeds Agency Ltd on 0131 441 2953
