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Invasive plant ID needed please

First time on here so hopefully I can find an answer.

I have just bought a new house and there is a very invasive plant covering a large area of the plot. I have attached pictures.I have tried to ID it but to no avail. Anybody have an ID for it please and tips to remove? I'm hoping it will be reasonably easy to remove but I am worried that I will have a big job on my hands. 

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  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,138

    That looks to me like Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) - an annual weed that is relatively easy to control compared with some invasive weeds.  You must cut it down now before it flowers and seeds as it is prolific and catapults its seeds over a wide area.

    More info here

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=480

    image

     


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • rebelsafcrebelsafc Posts: 3

    That looks like it. However I see it can grow up to 2m. At the moment mine seems more like a ground cover plant, no higher than 20cm

  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698

    It looks like some type of Persicaria to me. Has it got sort of knobbly spreading roots?

    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445

    Yes, I'd go with a persicaria



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • rebelsafcrebelsafc Posts: 3

    Looking at this link

     https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/nonnativespecies/downloadDocument.cfm?id=33

    the leaves and stem look very similar. I will have a closer look later but I think I have my culprit.

     

    Thanks for all the help

     

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445

    If that's the case it will be easy to remove, they're annuals. Run a mower or strimmer over them. But be prepared to do it again as there will be more seed waiting to germinate



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698

    Hmmm... still think it's one of the Persicaria/Polygonum clan. If it's got rather tough stems and spreading roots, it's one of those and not Himalayan balsam, which is fairly soft and succulent.

    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445

    and me Willimage 

    almost transluscent angular stems on the HB and shinier leaves



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698

    Himalayan balsam, Jo? It's a non-native that is very destructive of our native riverside habitats, unfortunately. I hoik out any seedlings that I come across in the wild, not that it's really possible to stop it's spread now.

    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698

    I took your comment the wrong way, Jo, sorry... Damn, we need a 'blushing smiley' ;P

    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
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