Himalayan Balsam

Added on 05 September 2019

Several residents have confused Himalayan Balsam with Japanese knotweed

  The plant on the left is Himalayan Balsam and that on the right is Japanese knotweed.

Flower colour is the easiest determinant.

Himalayan Balsam is an annual  growing each year from seed, whereas Japanese knotweed is a perennial. Both are very invasive.

Given the confusion, this website has been updated with information on how to control  Himalayan Balsam.