A pretty invader

Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is a pink flowered, waterside plant, a relative of the Busy Lizzy. It grows up to 2.5 metres tall and can be seen in big drifts alongside rivers, streams, lakes, canals and ponds. It is the biggest flowering plant growing wild in Britain. However, it shouldn't be here. It was introduced to the country in 1839 as a garden plant, quickly escaped from its confines, and is now spread across the country, a naturalised invader that is crowding out native plants. Attempts to control it are being made, and it is illegal to allow it to spread from a garden into the wild. But it's a difficult task, partly because it is a pretty plant that people like to see.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Sony DSC-RX100