Stand of Himalayan Balsam (after LanGuard Ltd. 2008)
Trout Unlimited Canada’s Stop the Spread campaign focuses on preventing the spread and impact of invasive species and pathogens that threaten Canada’s fisheries. There are a number of invasive species threatening Canada’s water. Meet an invasive that you might associate with the potential to damage our water and fish habitat, the Himalayan Balsam.
Identification:
Himalayan Balsam is an annual herb growing up to 3 metres tall. Its large (2.5 to 4 cm long) orchid-shaped pink, white or purple flowers with five petals resemble a British policeman’s helmet. The stem is a red-purple tinge, smooth, hairless and usually hollow. Lance-shaped or elliptic leaves are 6-15 cm long with sharply serrated edges, decreasing in size with height on the stem.
Sources of Introduction:
Native to the western Himalayas (northern India), this invasive plant is commonly used as an ornamental plant in urban landscapes and gardens. It can eject seeds as far as five meters, when mature seed capsules are touched. In Canada, Himalayan Balsam currently exists in nine provinces including British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.
Impact to the Environment:
Himalayan Balsam spreads primarily from ornamental plantings. It grows in dense stands along the shoreline areas of streams and wetlands where it prevents deep-rooted native plants, which help reinforce riverbanks, from establishing. Its shallow roots destabilize river and stream banks leading to soil erosion resulting in sediment entering the water. Due to the high nectar content of Himalayan Balsam blooms and its extended flowering, this invasive plant attracts bees and other pollinators. As a result, the growth and health of native plants suffer.
Why Should We Care
Stands of Himalayan Balsam causes bank erosion which negatively impacts water quality due excess sedimentation.
Excess sediment entering the water negatively affects fish reproduction by smothering spawning areas.
Removal is costly. In the United Kingdom for example, it is currently estimated it would cost between £150-300 million to eradicate Himalayan balsam.
As Himalayan Balsam dies back during the fall months river and stream banks are left exposed. Dead and decaying plant material can enter the water and as result increases the risk of flooding.
How Can You Stop the Spread:
Learn to identify Himalayan Balsam.
Do not plant Himalayan Balsam in gardens or landscaping.
Dispose of Himalayan Balsam plants in the garbage. Do not compost.
When walking or hiking, stay on marked trails, keep pets on a leash to reduce the spread of seeds.
Talk and inform others about the dangers Himalayan Balsam and other invasive species.
Support Trout Unlimited Canada’s Stop the Spread program.
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