Rough Horsetail
/
(Equisetum hyemale)
Rough Horsetail (Equisetum hyemale)
/
Marc Louie D. Cabigas
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Marc Louie D. Cabigas
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Marc Louie D. Cabigas | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Mcfaith9 | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Equisetum_hyemale_-_Philippines.jpg | Notes: Uploaded own work with UploadWizard |
Summary
Equisetum hyemale, commonly known as Scouringrush Horsetail, is an evergreen perennial herb native to a wide range of habitats including wet woodlands, riverbanks, and ditches across Eurasia and North America. It typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters) with a spread of 1-1.5 feet (0.3-0.5 meters). The plant features rough, hollow, jointed stems that are medium to dark green and can resemble bamboo. The stems are not true leaves but are photosynthetic and contain silica, which historically made them useful for scouring pots.
Scouringrush Horsetail is valued for its architectural form and texture in the garden, providing year-round interest with its evergreen stems. It is often used in modern and Asian-inspired garden designs, fitting well into narrow spaces and providing a strong vertical accent. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. While it requires minimal maintenance, it can spread aggressively by rhizomes and should be planted in contained areas or pots to prevent unwanted spread. It is also important to check its invasive status before planting it outside its native range. It has been found to become invasive in South Africa and Australia, especially in moist habitats.CC BY-SA 4.0
Scouringrush Horsetail is valued for its architectural form and texture in the garden, providing year-round interest with its evergreen stems. It is often used in modern and Asian-inspired garden designs, fitting well into narrow spaces and providing a strong vertical accent. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. While it requires minimal maintenance, it can spread aggressively by rhizomes and should be planted in contained areas or pots to prevent unwanted spread. It is also important to check its invasive status before planting it outside its native range. It has been found to become invasive in South Africa and Australia, especially in moist habitats.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-4 feet
- Width: 1-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season:
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow, Standing
Common Uses
Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Potted Plant, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Wet woodlands, riverbanks, and ditches across Eurasia and North America
Other Names
Common Names: Rough Horsetail
Scientific Names: Equisetum hyemale, Equisetum hyemale var. ramigerum, Equisetum zonatum, Hippochaete hyemalis, Equisetum hyemale subsp. scheicheri, Equisetum hyemale var. capillare, Equisetum prealtum var. affine, Equisetum ramigerum, Presla hyemalis
GBIF Accepted Name: Equisetum hyemale L.