Identification
Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) grows to 2–3 metres with hollow jointed reddish stems. Flowers are pink to purple and helmet-shaped, appearing June to October. Distinctive explosive seed pods can project seeds up to 7 metres.
Control
As an annual, Himalayan balsam is more straightforward to control than rhizomatous species. Control must be carried out before seed set — typically May to July. Consistent management over multiple years is required to achieve lasting suppression.