1990’s - Invasive Himalayan Balsam

Himalayan Balsam was introduced into a Pigeon Lake garden in the 1990’s, as an ornamental planting. It soon became and the program to eradicate the invasive species has been ongoing. In 2009, funding from the Land Stewardship Centre aided in the coordinated efforts to eradicate Himalayan Balsam from Pigeon Lake.

Eradication Program Co-Ordinator Don Davidson, researched and observed the best method for removing this invasive species is the Pick, Break, Drop method. This approach has been observed to be very efficient in preventing the further spread of the Himalayan Balsam plant species. An article published about the progress can be viewed HERE.

Shallow-rooted and grows to 3 m tall. Leaves are sharply serrated and in whorls of three. Flowers range in colour from rose-purple to pink to white. Control with repeated mowing or “Pick,Break, Drop” - where the weed is picked, broken at the stem, and then dropped to the ground (not forming piles) before it goes to seed.