Himalayan Balsam

Native to the Himalayas, this plant was introduced across most of the Northern hemisphere by human interference. Other common names include: the Policeman's Helmet, Bobby Tops, Copper Tops, and Gnome's Hatstand which originate from the flowers being hat-shaped. The names Himalayan Balsam and Kiss-me-on-the-mountain arise from the fact that the plant originates in the Himalayan mountains. In the UK it grows along most river systems and is considered a weed.