Veon ecologists recorded Himalayan Balsam while conducting surveys for the Hedgerow Appraisal Scheme in Limerick city, right on the banks of the river Shannon. Himalayan balsam is a Third Schedule Invasive species.
Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is an invasive annual plant species which is native to the western Himalayas. It was first introduced to Europe in the mid-1800s as an ornamental garden plant. Since then, it has escaped into the wild and is now present in most parts of Ireland. The plant’s seed pots explode at the slightest disturbance when ripe.
The seeds of this plant are not very robust and only survive for up to 18 months, therefore a two year control programme can be successful in eradicating this plant provided there is no further infestation from upstream or adjacent sites. Grazing by cattle and sheep is effective from April throughout the growing season. Several herbicides have been shown to be effective at killing Himalayan Balsam and often just one application is sufficient. Nevertheless re-application in the same season should be planned for, as new growth from seed is likely.
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