Himalayan balsam
Introduced to England in the 19th century, Himalayan balsam is a large annual plant that is often found growing on river banks or wasteland.
In the summer the plant produces large pink flowers that produce a large amount of nectar. These are followed by hanging seeds in late July through August and September.
As an invasive plant listed in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the spreading of seeds or planting, either knowingly or unknowingly is a serious offence.
Image not found: /img/plants/himalayan-balsam/side-view.webp
Uses
As a relatively new edition to England, I’ve not come across many references to its traditional uses.
However, I was introduced to the seeds on a guided foraging walk one September. They have a nutty flavor and can be eaten raw. Be careful not to spill them when harvesting them, the plant makes use of Ballochory, a type of seed dispersal where the seeds are forcibly ejected when touched.
