For these reasons, Himalayan pink salt is better since it can still be found in its purest form. Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is an introduced summer annual that has naturalised in the UK, mainly along riverbanks and ditches. ... and burn all of the waste, including the seeds – which can germinate even once the plant has been killed. It self-sows vigorously, and takes over any area where it seeds, driving out native plants. Himalayan Balsam is a tasty plant commonly eaten as curry in its native Northern India. Repeated herbicide treatments over several years are normally recommended for complete control of Himalayan balsam. Regular table salt undergoes vigorous processing that strips it of significant minerals except for sodium and chloride. Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is an exotic-looking annual that has pink, helmet-shaped flowers (also known as "policeman’s helmet”), rapid growth, and an entertaining mode of explosive seed dispersal. Continued monitoring of the treated areas should also be carried out to ensure that no new shoots appear. Answers. thank you. Himalayan Balsam is a large plant, normally reaching 1 to 2 metres in height, although in some cases it can grow as tall as 2.5 metres. By foraging for this free food you can help your budget and the environment. If you intend to do this, (or burn any other material on site), you are likely to require a waste exemption from the Environment Agency. Is himalayan balsam harmful to human like causing skin irritation if so could you give me some advice on treatment and precautions. Himalayan balsam is an annual, so the big problem is the seeds, not the plant itself. On the other side, even with himalayan pink salt side effects, this salt is healthier than ordinary table salt. The serrated leaves grow along the stem joints either in pairs or whorls of three. 16 Jun, 2010; Featured on: invasive plants. Control of Himalayan Balsam should ideally happen when the plants have grown to a good height, but have not yet flowered. I am not aware of it causing skin irritation but people can react to the sap of a lot of plants. Himalayan Balsam What are the issues? Himalayan Balsam - Free food. Plants can grow up to 3m tall, making this the tallest annual species growing wild in the UK. We balsam bash before the plant flowers to prevent seeding, but once it flowers, the seeds will develop even if you pull it up. Himalayan Balsam Species Impatiens glandulifera. Once established Himalayan balsam, which can grow up to 10ft in height, outcompetes native species, erodes riverbanks, and clogs up rivers and streams leading to … Moon_grower . Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife and Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 it is an offence to introduce Himalayan balsam into the wild. The more seeds we eat, the fewer seeds there will remain to spread this plant. This is usually around June. Table Salt. Himalayan balsam legislation. It prefers moist soils but will grow pretty much anywhere. This plant is the least harmful of our three main invasive species. Although you are allowed to have Himalayan balsam on your own land you … Colonising rail and river banks, wastelands and woodlands, Himalayan balsam was introduced to the British Isles in 1839 by Victorian plant hunters who were keen on its beautiful pink flowers and exploding seed pods. The plant has had plenty of time to establish in the UK and, over the last 50 years, has spread rapidly. Himalayan balsam is a hardy weed, which can flourish in even low levels of light, with explosive seed pods, dispersing up to 800 seeds up to 20 feet away, the weed can spread fast and kill off all surrounding vegetation. Physical removal For short term control, Himalayan balsam can be pulled but this is not a long-term solution. 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