Himalayan Balsam Pulls
Himalayan balsam Pulls
The City of Edmonton has organized pulls in Hermitage Park (2115 Hermitage Road NW) on the following dates:
- Saturday July 9, 9am-noon
- Saturday July 23, 9am-noon
- Saturday August 6, 9am-noon
Meet us in the north parking lot near the dog park.
- Wear long pants and sturdy shoes or boots
- Bring bug spray and sunblock
- Weather dependent call 311 for event updates
Himalayan balsam
Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is a species native to the western Himalayas. In Canada, this weed was first identified in Ottawa in 1901. Due to its negative impacts on riverside habitats, Himalayan balsam is listed as a prohibited noxious weed in the Alberta Weed Control Act.
Impacts of Himalayan balsam
Himalayan balsam can be extremely invasive in woodlands and riverside areas, shading out competing vegetation in heavily infested areas. Fast decomposition of stalks in winter and shallow roots in summer can cause stream bank erosion.
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.
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 transport seeds over great distances.
What you can do
Learn how to properly identify Himalayan balsam and how to prevent accidentally spreading this invasive species.
Avoid using invasive plants in gardens and landscaping.
Discard invasive plants in the regular garbage only before they produce seeds. Do not dispose of invasive plants in the compost pile. Pull the weed including its shallow roots by hand to easily control small infestations (most common in gardens). Cut or mow shortly before or during early bloom for large stands but plants can regrow if not cut at ground level. Wear padded gloves to protect hands. Clean equipment and clothing after coming in contact with invasive weeds and the soil they grown in.
For More Information
Neighbourhoods Strategy and Supports
| Title | Environmental Technician |
|---|---|
| Telephone | 780-423-1465 |
| invasiveweeds@edmonton.ca |
