Himalayan Balsam

Himalayan balsam rapidly takes over riverbanks and areas of damp ground. It can grow up to 3 metres tall, with pinky-red stems and spear-shaped, dark green leaves with serrated edges. Flowers are pink and slipper-shaped and appear from June to October.

This weed has already called major problems on other chalk streams in the UK, such as the Dorset Frome. It is important to kill this plant before it flowers, by hand-pulling, cutting, mowing, strimming or by herbicides. If the plant is handled later, you are more likely to help it to spread as the seed heads explode showering the area with seeds. Download a leaflet on how to identify and control Himalayan balsam (PDF, 56 KB).

Chesham Town Council is working with the Chilterns Conservation Board to map this weed. If you have seen these plants growing in Chesham, please contact Kathryn Graves on policy@chesham.gov.uk.

Balsam Invasion on the River Frome, by Martin de Retuerto, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust

Above image: The Himalayan Balsam invasion on the Frome has wiped out native vegetation

Himalayan Balsam

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