Rural Roots Special Edition - Weeds of Distinction | Page 5

TALL BUTTERCUP HIMALAYAN BALSAM
Noxious Noxious
Ranunculus Arcris
Impatiens Glandulifera
Tall Buttercup is a perennial and only reproduces
by seed. It inhabits moist to well drained soils.
It’s easily spotted by its bright yellow flower that
grows on long stalks, and has 5 petals that are
shiny in appearance. The leaves that are lower
on the stem are deeply divided into 3-5 lobes.
The leaves that are higher are smaller, hairy and
divided into 3-4 narrow segments. Tall Buttercup
contains bitter, irritating oil called protoanemonin
that is toxic to livestock and other grazing animals
when fresh stems and leaves are consumed. Himalayan Balsam is a summer annual that
prefers moist soils and some soil disturbance.
Stems are smooth, hairless, and usually hollow
and tinged red-purple. Leaves are lance-shaped,
with pointed tips and sharp serrated edges. They
grow in whorls of three or opposite on the stem.
Himalayan Balsam has large flowers that vary in
shades of pink to purple and can be occasionally
white. It has a shallow fibrous root system that
is easily pulled. Mature seed capsules explode
when disturbed and eject the seed up to 5m.
Mechanical: Tall Buttercup can be outcompeted
by planting a desired species in pasture or
cropland scenarios. Maintaining a good grass
stand in a pasture can also reduce the infestation
levels. Pastures that have a severe infestation
can be cultivated and reseeded to an annual
crop for several years as Tall Buttercup does not
persist under cultivation. Mowing can be effective
for small areas and infestations. Handpicking
can be utilized for individual plants, provided
gloves and long sleeves are worn as the plant
contains juices that can cause skin irritation
(blistering and redness). Mechanical: Mowing can be effective if repeated
because plants can grow new flowering branches.
Himalayan Balsam is easily hand-picked due to
its shallow root system. All mechanical methods
are best prior to seed production due to the
special nature of seed dispersal.
Herbicides such as Aminopyralid alone or in
a product mix, MCPA alone or in a product mix,
Mecoprop and Tribenuron-methyl are
registered for use.
Herbicides: Currently there are no herbicides
registered for use on Himalayan Balsam and
due to its preferred habitat of riparian areas
the use of herbicides in aquatic environments
requires a specialized Alberta applicator
certification and/or permits.