Himalayan Balsam Eradication Project

The Himalayan Balsam, classified as a prohibited noxious weed in Alberta, was eradicated from the shoreline of Pigeon Lake several years ago. Following its introduction to Pigeon as an ornamental garden plant , it had infested almost a third of the shoreline of Pigeon Lake and was rapidly taking over the riparian area before its impact was recognized.

This weed is easily identified by its beautiful flowers, a hollow stem, and groups of three leaves originating at one place on the stem.

When it goes to seed, the seed pods become brittle and “shoot” the seeds when touched. On the shoreline, the seeds go in the water and are washed along the shoreline to infect other areas. The forested areas around Pigeon Lake also became infested when shoreline refuse was dumped in the bush and the plant found a new place to flourish.

Only after concerted effort by residents are the PLWA was this plant finally brought under control. An extremely successful eradication method was developed at Pigeon Lake. It consists of three steps: “Pick, Break, and Drop.” The plant is easily plucked from the ground, and its crisp stem is easily snapped. It is not necessary to bag this plant. Just drop it in place or throw it in the garbage bin. It will soon dry and disappear. Attempts to bag the plants proved futile because of their abundnace and its seeds may spread.

Unfortunately, the plant is starting to make a comeback on the shoreline. All residents are asked to watch for the Himalayan Balsam. If you find some, just follow the simple instructions of pick, break and drop. If there are many plants present, you are asked to contact Don Davidson (donald_d@telus.net), who has been leading the battle against this invader since the start and will do follow-up surveillance. Please provide a nearby address and description of the location or, better still, a pin of the location.

Let’s keep invasive noxious weeds out of our watershed by everyone pitching in to help.