I was given this plant and told it was a Himalayan Impatience. It looks like an orchid and a friend said it was a Swamp Orchid, however "the web" doesn't agree. Does anyone know what this beautiful, very large plant is? It likes full sun and lots of water and is growing in very sandy soil.
Your plant does look like Himalayan balsam (impatiens), but I have never seen plants that sturdy before. Try an image search for Impatiens glandulifera. We will see what others think. If it is Himalayan balsam you should read the page at this link: http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/hbalsam.htm
Yes, Impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan Balsam). Get rid of it before it seeds, or you (and your neighbours, and your neighbours' neighbours) will be stuck with it forever.
Isn't that the truth! haha. My mother thinks they are beautiful but my father and I have nicknamed them "The Ugly Plant" we weren't sure of the name. and a neighbor of ours says its a type of Orchid. They can be very nice in a grouping. but when these plants seed they SPREAD!