Small Balsam is a
non-native
annual plant of the UK, typically found growing in woodland and water margins, to a mature height of up to 100cm.
Small Balsam is a native of the mountains of Central Asia, introduced to the UK and found in the wild by the mid-nineteenth century. Apart from being an attractive ornamental plant, Small Balsam has found use as a treatment for skin conditions and nettle stings and its cooked leaves and seed are sometimes consumed as forage food.
Botanic classification and naming: Small Balsam is a member of the Balsam (Balsaminaceae) family. The genus name
'Impatiens' identifies the plant as a Balsam and its species name 'parviflora' means 'small-flowered'.
Concerns: The Small Balsam has spread rapidly across Europe since its introduction from Asia, but the plant is thought to have minimal negative effect on the environment. Note that unsupervised foraging may cause damage to wild plants and misidentification of forage species may be dangerous.
Benefits: Attracts hoverflies and a species of leaf miner fly.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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