What can folks do about it?
Control where it goes
Like most species, the best way to control spread of impatiens is to manage it at
Control where it grows
- Dig: Policeman's helmet is an annual. Hand-pulling it before it sets seed works well for managing populations.
- Treat: In general, populations in Portland have been small enough not to require herbicide use.
- Check: monitor the site at least annually, and especially years two and three after treatment, as any surviving seed takes its big opportunity to sprout!
Last words
If you suspect you’ve found policeman's helmet, the City of Portland REQUIRES you to report it. You can report suspected patches to Mitch Bixby with the Environmental Services' Early Detection/Rapid Response Program at 503-823-2989 or mitch.bixby@portlandoregon.gov.
The City of Portland offers assistance with managing policeman's helmet if you would like it.