Himalayan Balsam
![Himalayan balsam flower](http://www.manchester.gov.uk/images/himalayan_balsam_flower.jpg)
Himalayan balsam grows and spreads quickly on river banks, waste ground and damp woodlands. The plants grow densely and stop the growth of other plants and grasses. How to identify:
- it grows up to 2-3m in height;
- it has red-tinged stems and green leaves;
- purplish pink flowers from June to October.
What you should know
- cut or pulled plants can be safely left on site to decompose, this must be done in a dry open area, this must be carried out before seed pods mature and explode;
- it will take a couple of seasons to get the weed under control;
- balsam bashing work parties can be organised to clear the weed from woodland and riverbanks;
- you can't dispose of Himalayan balsam in your green bin (garden waste) or take it to the tip (household recycling centre) it must be disposed of as controlled waste;
- refer to the Environment Agency for further information.