Mystery Plant - or that's what my mom calls it anyway

Would appreciate any info on this plant given to me by Saskatchewan realtives. Grew 1.2 metres and flowered in about 4 weeks. Very robust stalk and 'primitive' looking. You'd all make me the brains in the family if I can tell everyone what it is.

Much appreciated.

 

Policemen's helmet and Himalayan balsam are common names; Impatiens glandulifera, also called. I. royleana.

 

Usually regarded as an invasive weed. Best get rid of it before it showers its seeds all over.

 

Thanks very much. I'll be able to let them know what they have and hopefully we can halt the spread.

 

Ah, I was going to point out - a locally spreading plant here in British Columbia. In Saskatchewan, I don't think it's a problem. Slightly different climate!

 

But Wayne Winterrowd has it in his book Annuals for Connoisseurs...he says it is agressive sslf seeder even in cold climates but easy to pull out...obviously he likes it.