Another week, another I Spy. Are you being challenged yet?
I’m a “touch-me-not” for my seeds explode,
Spreading dense stands that cause soil to erode,
Born in a mountain range, far, far away,
I was brought over here to be put on display.
This week’s riddle is a tough one, but with infestations throughout the Sea to Sky, it is possible that you have (unknowingly) seen this plant around your neighborhood.
Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) or Policeman’s Helmet is from the Western Himalayas and was introduced to Canada in the early 1900s as a garden ornamental. Since then, it has taken over river edges, wetlands, and ditch banks. Indeed, it thrives in moist, shaded environments that contain nutrient-rich soils, like disturbed habitats and wet woodlands.
You can identify it by its whorled, oblong leaves that grow in groups of 3 with serrated edges. Stems can reach 2 m in height and are thick, hollow (making it easy to break), and tinged purple or red. The flowers can vary in colour, from pink to purple, red, and even white. The shape of the flowers is said to resemble that of an old-fashioned policeman’s helmet, giving this invasive one of its clever common names.
While Himalayan Balsam is still sold and collected as a garden ornamental, this plant is extremely invasive due to its effective seed dispersal. In fact, when a seed capsule matures, it explodes (launching seeds up to 5 m away) and releases up to 2,500 seeds per plant.
Himalayan Balsam negatively impacts riparian areas because as dies back in the fall, it exposes river banks to the elements, which increases erosion through the winter.
Luckily, Himalayan Balsam’s shallow root system means that it is easy (and satisfying!) to pull out of the soil by hand. So, next time you run into Himalayan Balsam, start pulling!
Be sure to report Himalayan Balsam sightings, as SSISC looks to strategically control & eradicate infestations.
I Spy in the Sea to Sky Contest
This is our final I Spy giveaway folks!
Guess the invasive species in our I Spy in the Sea to Sky series, posted on social media every Monday, until the end of August to enter the giveaway. This month, one lucky commenter will win a Camp Lifestyle + Coffee Co. trucker hat AND a packet of native flowers seed mix!
Contest Rules:
- Comment your guess on either Instagram or Facebook to enter.
- 1 entry per person per post.
- Anyone can play, but only residents of the Sea to Sky region are eligible to win.
- Entry will close at 11:59 PM PST on the last day of each month (in this case August 31st).
- Winners will be announced on the first business day of the next month (September 1st) and contacted via their platform of entry.
- This giveaway is in no way sponsored or endorsed by Instagram or Facebook.
Good luck!
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