Himalayan balsam  (Impatiens glandulifera)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Range

This introduced species had spread out of gardens and colonised British waterways by 1855 (5). It has since become widely naturalised and is now common in central England and Wales. It is not as numerous in Scotland and east England, but its range is still expanding (3) (2). In many areas, its spread has been aided by the deliberate scattering of seeds by fans of the plant (4). This species is native to the Himalayas, but has become naturalised throughout much of temperate Europe (3). It has also become established in parts of the USA (6).

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Habitat

Typically found in dense patches on the banks of rivers and other water bodies (3), as well as in wet woodlands, and on waste ground (2).

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