I know it's a flower but.......

[John Liddle]

....... I'm not sure what it is.

Spotted on the edge of a lake and rather orchid-like in general flower structure.

Can anyone provide an ID?

Lakeside flower by John Liddle, on Flickr

[@imagesBV]

Re: I know it's a flower but.......

Snap dragon?

[antoeknee]

Re: I know it's a flower but.......

Hymalayan Balsam. A plant that grows really quick and becomes a problem. Lots of work by different groups to try and control it.

[John Liddle]

Re: I know it's a flower but.......

Thanks Anthony

Hymalayan Balsam. A plant that grows really quick and becomes a problem. Lots of work by different groups to try and control it.

My own research had also lead to that identification, but I did not realise it was a pest.

[ST-EOS]

Re: I know it's a flower but.......

John here's a LINK to the RHS web that describes it's habit

[Chris J]

Re: I know it's a flower but.......

Public enemy number 3 after Japanese knotweed and the Hottentot fig. Also called policemans helmet (side view of the flower). If you touch one of the mature seed pods (seen behind your flower) it will explode and send seeds flying yards away. Another name - touch-me-not -because of that.

[John Liddle]

Re: I know it's a flower but.......

Thanks Peter & Chris - I saw this on my recent visit to the Warwick University campus and I wonder if the authorities there know they have the problem. I may try and contact them

P.S I have emailed the Estates Dept at the Uni in case they are not aware that they have the plant on site

[antoeknee]

Re: I know it's a flower but.......

Grows vigorously along waterways, rivers, canals, etc.

Groups have 'balsam bashing' days.

[John Liddle]

Re: I know it's a flower but.......

I had a response from the Estates department at Warwick and they were unaware of the presence of Himalayan Balsam.

They are now going to instigate a programme to attempt to eradicate it.

So, I've done my bit for the world this week!