Himalayan Balsam

this plant was seen growing in someone's yard with more small plants nearby

Himalayan balsam:

• grows in moist conditions and is commonly found along river banks, stream beds and creeks
• stems are red in colour
• leaves are dark green and lance shaped with jagged edges
• flowers are shaped somewhat like a snapdragon and vary in colour from pink to purple and sometimes white
• flowers summer through fall from June to October
• can grow up to 2 metres high and sometimes 3 metres high (though rarely)
• Himalayan Balsam is an annual
• each plant produces between 700-800 seeds
• seed pods are explosive and can throw seeds over 6 metres away from the original plant.

In the city of Edmonton, Himalayan Balsam is listed as an invasive weed.  Growing it on private property is prohibited.  Though, I don't believe that it is yet common knowledge.  (Case in point, the above photo)  So, I am doing my part in getting the word out.

Species/ Impatiens glandulifera

Common Names/ Policeman’s Helmet, Indian Balsam

Sometimes known as Himalayan Impatiens

http://www.invasiveplants.ab.ca/Downloads/FS-HimalayanBalsam.pdf