The Impatiens glandulifera is a genus from the Balsaminaceae family and is commonly named ornamental jewelweed, policeman’s helmet or Himalayan balsam. As the name suggests the Himalayan balsam is native to the Western Himalaya, mainly Tibet and India.
Glandulifera comes from Latin and means ‘bearing little glands’. This is because there are glandular stalks at the nodes of the stem. The common name policeman’s helmet refers to the hat-shaped flowers.
The Impatiens glandulifera is considered an invasive species in many countries and areas. The high nectar production and strong, sweet smell of the flowers attract pollinators away from the native plants which causes them to have a lower seed production. The ornamental jewelweed also grows very fast and out-competes the native vegetation on river banks. As they die back over winter, they leave the bank unprotected from flooding. After bloom the Impatiens glandulifera develops fruits. If you touch the ripened fruit it will eject its seeds which can scatter up to 5 meters (16 feet). This aggressive seed dispersal is also a reason why this is considered a prohibited noxious weed.
The Impatiens glandulifera prefers a moist location. The young shoots and leaves, the flowers and the seeds are edible.
Attracts bees: yes
Characteristic: annual
Deer resistant: yes
Exposure: sun/part shade
Flower color: pink
Flowering time: July – October
Foliage color: green
Fragrant flower: yes
Hardiness: -30 ºC (-22 ºF)
Height: 6 feet and 6 inches (2 m)
Soil: normal/moist