Solved Is this a weed?

Discussion in 'Identification Area' started by sandhun, Jul 15, 2018.

  1. sandhun

    sandhun Gardener

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    These have grown to about 4ft in size in a raised bed. They have pink flowers which surprised me as I only planted seeds with blue or white flowers

    Can anyone ID this for me please?

    B0969363-F24B-4022-94B3-A777BA1CD7CF.jpeg 9C5A7CEE-7459-4639-9EFC-17CDCAAF95D5.jpeg
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 15, 2018
  2. Silver surfer

    Silver surfer PLANTAHOLIC

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    it would have been most helpful to have seen a pic showing the flowers.
    Plants from just leaves are hard.
    It may be Impatiens glandulifera?

    Did the flowers look like this?

    impatiens glandulifera - Google Search
     
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    • sandhun

      sandhun Gardener

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      I’ve just uploaded a picture showing the flowers, looks similar to what you posted.

      B0CC1F0C-5F6B-4CC3-892E-EF7C30D889A5.jpeg
       
      Last edited by a moderator: Jul 15, 2018
    • Silver surfer

      Silver surfer PLANTAHOLIC

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      Thank you.
      Yes...that is the Impatiens glandulifera.
      It is very invasive and miles of it can be found along the river banks and edges of farmers fields.
      Once there nothing else will grow under it. it is a pest.
      The seed capsules are cute...but when ripe and touched explode sending the seeds far and wide.
       
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      • sandhun

        sandhun Gardener

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        Oh no! Thanks for your help. My beds are full them and some are very rigorous as they’re quite established with thick roots. Right, time to see if I can get rid.
         
      • Silver surfer

        Silver surfer PLANTAHOLIC

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        Fear not.....They pull out very easily.
        Infact volunteers are trying to clear areas of this weed simple by pulling it out...far safer than chemicals.
        It is a shame as the flowers are really beautiful.
         
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        • shiney

          shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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          Its common name is Himalayan Balsam and has been declared as a pest in certain areas. The National Trust has been working hard to eradicate it from its waterside areas.

          It took them two years to get rid of this lot

          109_0977.JPG

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          As long as you're not alongside a river, lake or similar you shouldn't have any trouble getting rid of it. You may be a bit late for getting it all as some seeds may have already set and dropped, or exploded. Pull the lot out and keep a sharp eye out next year.

          A lovely plant but too invasive.

          Himalayan Balsam Removal | How to Get Rid of It
           
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          • sandhun

            sandhun Gardener

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            OK thanks both, it came out fairly easily as you indicated. I'm nowhere near any lakes, rivers etc.
             
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            • Marley Farley

              Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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              Yes it is a notifiable weed (to local council) in a lot of counties now because it is such a thug and so invasive even if attractive..
               
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