Policeman's helmet - (Impatiens glandulifera)
What is policeman's helmet?
Policeman's helmet, also known as Himalayan balsam or jewelweed, is a State listed B invasive species native to the Himalayan region of Asia. Policeman's helmet and its relatives are known for their showy flowers and ballistic seed dispersal method. It bears light pink to purple flowers and can grow up to 8 ft tall. The stems are vertically ribbed, reddish-green in color, and have red swollen nodes. Policeman's helmet is becoming increasingly common in Lincoln County with the most expansive infestations occurring along the Alsea River. Lincoln County is home to a native relative of policeman's helmet named Touch-me-not balsam (Impatiens noli-tangeri) that is much smaller and has yellow to orange-colored flowers.
Policeman's helmet, also known as Himalayan balsam or jewelweed, is a State listed B invasive species native to the Himalayan region of Asia. Policeman's helmet and its relatives are known for their showy flowers and ballistic seed dispersal method. It bears light pink to purple flowers and can grow up to 8 ft tall. The stems are vertically ribbed, reddish-green in color, and have red swollen nodes. Policeman's helmet is becoming increasingly common in Lincoln County with the most expansive infestations occurring along the Alsea River. Lincoln County is home to a native relative of policeman's helmet named Touch-me-not balsam (Impatiens noli-tangeri) that is much smaller and has yellow to orange-colored flowers.
Why is policeman's helmet a problem?
Policeman's helmet is invades early successional forests near and along riparian corridors. It has the capacity to produce as many as 2,500 seeds per plant and launch them as far as 20 feet. In appropriate conditions, policeman's helmet will grow in dense thickets that out-compete many native species. The dense growth and sheer number of flowers that policeman's helmet produce limits pollinator exposure for native plants as well as forage opportunities for wildlife. Policeman's helmet infestations have the potential to drastically alter habitat structure.
Controlling Policeman's Helmet
Policemen's helmet infestations are readily controlled by repeated pulling, grazing, or cutting. Any of these manual control methods should occur prior to flowering to prevent the dispersal of seeds. If control methods are implemented after seed maturation, the slightest touch will cause an explosion of seeds. If the flowers go to seed it is best to avoid control until the following spring. Since the seeds remain viable for a relatively short period (approximately 1-2 years), implementing control practices over 2-3 Springs should drastically reduce an infestation. If persistent control methods seem to be be ineffective after several years, there is most likely an infestation upstream of your property. If you find yourself in this situation, share Policeman's helmet control information with your neighbors and contact Lincoln SWCD.
If you find a Policeman's helmet infestation, contact Lincoln SWCD by phone at (541-265-2631) or email.
An in-depth summary of policeman's helmet control methods can be found at the link below:
Policeman's helmet is invades early successional forests near and along riparian corridors. It has the capacity to produce as many as 2,500 seeds per plant and launch them as far as 20 feet. In appropriate conditions, policeman's helmet will grow in dense thickets that out-compete many native species. The dense growth and sheer number of flowers that policeman's helmet produce limits pollinator exposure for native plants as well as forage opportunities for wildlife. Policeman's helmet infestations have the potential to drastically alter habitat structure.
Controlling Policeman's Helmet
Policemen's helmet infestations are readily controlled by repeated pulling, grazing, or cutting. Any of these manual control methods should occur prior to flowering to prevent the dispersal of seeds. If control methods are implemented after seed maturation, the slightest touch will cause an explosion of seeds. If the flowers go to seed it is best to avoid control until the following spring. Since the seeds remain viable for a relatively short period (approximately 1-2 years), implementing control practices over 2-3 Springs should drastically reduce an infestation. If persistent control methods seem to be be ineffective after several years, there is most likely an infestation upstream of your property. If you find yourself in this situation, share Policeman's helmet control information with your neighbors and contact Lincoln SWCD.
If you find a Policeman's helmet infestation, contact Lincoln SWCD by phone at (541-265-2631) or email.
An in-depth summary of policeman's helmet control methods can be found at the link below:
