Dear Editor,
I am writing to you to inform you of the Himalayan balsam which is an invasive species that originated in India. It has infested our creek area on our school property, it is a problem because it can spread fairly quickly and it may be spreading throughout town.
It is a tall plant with a stem that looks like rubard with the shape of bamboo, the flower is pink,purple and white. The flower may be good looking but this pest is no friend of ours.
This nuisance is eternal its 800 seeds will sometimes pop if you touch them and scare the hibi jibies out of you. It only spreads by seeds, but imagine 800 seeds popping then 800 plants growing and their 800 seeds popping and there is nothing to take them down unless we do something.
Are you still wondering why they’re so bad? Well they are a non native species and the bees are addicted to it and not wanting to pollinate our native plants like: golden rod, mint, and jewel weed. Jewel weed looks very similar to the Himalayan balsam but this flower is orange and red but don’t pull this plant it is a friend not foe.
So keep your eyes open for Himalayan balsam your backyard could be next. If you need more information about the Himalayan balsam visit, wildlife and nature Ontario.ca.
Sincerely, Jaden Yake
Jaden Yake