Impatiens glandulifera

Common Name: 
himalaya balsam, purple jewelweed, policeman's helmet
Scientific Name: 
Impatiens glandulifera Royle
Family Name: 
Balsaminaceae - Touch-Me-Not Family
Identification Notes
Life Cycle
introduced annual, reproducing by seed
Stems
upright, very tall, smooth, hollow, purplish coloration
Stems of Himalya Balsam
Leaves
opposite or whorled (3), oblong to narrowly ovate, sharply toothed, petiole base with stalked glands
Leaves of Himalya Balsam
Leaves of Himalya Balsam
Leaves of Himalya Balsam
Flowers
5-petaled (2 lateral pairs fused, 5th petal notched), blue or purple to pink or sometimes white; solitary, elongated stalks, axillary
Flowers of Himalya Balsam
Flowers of Himalya Balsam
Flowers of Himalya Balsam
Flowers of Himalya Balsam
Flowers of Himalya Balsam
Flowers of Himalya Balsam
Flowers of Himalya Balsam
Seed Pods
capsules, dehiscent when mature
Seedpods of Himalya Balsam