In the early 1800’s, Himalayan Balsam was introduced to many parts of Europe, New Zealand and North America as a garden ornamental.

Unfortunately it can completely dominate an area and crowd out native vegetation.

It is a prolific nectar producer, drawing pollinators away from surrounding native species.

Himalayan Balsam can aggressively replace native perennial plants along river banks, leading to soil erosion.

Another pink, but much less invasive plant growing here is Northern Willow-herb.

Other botany:

Nearby views:

NATURE POETRY

A boy and his dad on a fishing-trip—
There is a glorious fellowship!
Father and son and the open sky
And the white clouds lazily drifting by.  – Edgar Guest (1881–1959) 

Miles Hearn