Invasive purple jewelweed detected in Kalamazoo park

Invasive purple jewelweed (Impatiens glandulifera), also known as Himalayan balsam, isn’t common across Michigan, but it has been detected and is being managed in some areas of the Upper Peninsula. Due to a citizen’s online report, the plant recently was detected in the City of Kalamazoo’s Frays Park. The plant has been identified and removed in other locations in the Lower Peninsula, making this the only known active population downstate.  

Hannah Whiteman, landscape coordinator at Kzoo Parks, encountered the plant last year, independent of the citizen report.

“I knew right away this was an unusual plant, so I took some photos,” Whiteman explained. “It wasn’t until winter that I took a tutorial on the [Midwest Invasive Species Information Network’s] MISIN Learn platform and used my photos to determine the plant was invasive purple jewelweed.” 

She started looking for the patch of plants again this summer, but the site had been mowed, so the plants didn’t appear in any identifiable form until July. This was right about the time she was contacted by Barry, Calhoun and Kalamazoo Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area coordinator Sara Huetteman, who wanted to verify the online report. 

Once the patch of plants was located and positively identified, BCK CISMA and some new invasive species program staff with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources met onsite to pull all visible plants and dispose of them.

 “This was a good example of how Michigan’s CISMAs work collaboratively to manage invasive species,” said Huetteman. “Hannah at Kzoo Parks was able to keep an eye on the site until the plants re-emerged. I reached out to the Michigan Invasive Species Program to let them know the report was confirmed, and their new staff was able to get some hands-on training in identifying and removing purple jewelweed.”

BCK CISMA will regularly monitor the site and remove any purple jewelweed plants that emerge in the coming years.

Why is this plant a concern?

With showy, purple to white, orchid-like blooms and high nectar volume, purple jewelweed is attractive to both humans and wildlife, but it has highly invasive qualities. It spreads quickly due to high seed production, and it can grow in most conditions, often outcompeting native species. 

Purple jewelweed thrives in forests and wetlands and along riverbanks, where it can increase erosion due to its shallow roots. Because of its plentiful nectar, it may reduce pollinators’ interest in native plants and crops. 

You can help

• Don’t plant it – Purple jewelweed is on Michigan’s invasive species watch list because of its invasive qualities, but it is not currently regulated in the state. The Michigan Invasive Species Program discourages cultivating this plant because of its ability to spread beyond garden areas.
• Identify it – Purple jewelweed is an annual plant that grows 3-6 feet tall and has green, purple or red stems that are smooth and hollow. Flowers, which appear between June and September, are orchid-shaped and can be purple, pink or white. Leaves are long and narrow with serrated edges. Ripe fruit capsules explode when touched.
• Report it – Report any suspected sightings of invasive purple jewelweed by using the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network’s online reporting tool or the MISIN smartphone app. Be sure to note the location and submit photos of the plant’s stem, leaves and flowers, if available.

Get involved!

There are many ways to learn more about invasive species. If you prefer a hands-on approach, find volunteer opportunities through your local CISMA or the Michigan state park stewardship program.  

Within the City of Kalamazoo, check out the Spot & Stop Invasive Species Removal program, which offers monthly identification and removal events at local parks.

Those who prefer self-study can find dozens of online invasive species identification tutorials on MISIN Learn, at Learn.MISIN.MSU.edu. 

For more information on Michigan’s Invasive Species Program, visit Michigan.gov/Invasives.

Michigan's Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Department of Natural Resources; and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.