Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is a species native to the western Himalayas. Today is has been reported as weed in Europe, Asia, North America and New Zealand. In Canada, this weed was first identified in Ottawa in 1901.

Himalayan balsam can be exremely invasive in woodlands and riparian areas, shading out competing vegetation and creating monocultures in heavily infested areas.  Besides reducing the native biodiversity, fast decomposition of stalks in winter and shallow roots in summer can cause stream bank erosion.

The plant ejects seeds up to five meter away when touched – therefore the name “Touch-me-not”.  Its seeds are mainly distributed by water but humans and animals also tranport seeds over great distances. Due to its negative impacts on riparian habitats, Himalayan balsam is listed as a prohibited noxious weed in the Alberta Weed Control Act.

Himalayan balsam is the widest spread prohibited noxious weed within the City of Edmonton. Once a popular ornamental, this weed is often found in private yards. With its quick growth rate and explosive seed dispersal mechanism, many plants are passing through fences, spreading their seeds into storm drains and into Edmonton’s natural areas.

Himalayan balsam has rapidly infested the Kennedale Ravine where it excludes native plant species and negatively impacts riparian wildlife habitats. To prevent further distribution and negative impact on other areas, the infestation in Kennedale must be controled and should eventually be eradicated.

The City of Edmonton has organized a Himalayan balsam pull in the Kennedale Ravine and is looking for volunteers to come and help remove this weed.  The pull is weather dependent.  Please check the City of Edmonton Facebook and Twitter sites for updates if the weather is bad.

Visit the City of Edmonton website for more information.