Dwarf Scouring Rush

(Equisetum scirpoides)

Dwarf Scouring Rush (Equisetum scirpoides)

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Equisetum scirpoides Native Range
Native Range
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Climate Requirements

• Precipitation 16" - 39"
• High Temp. 58°F - 78°F
• Low Temp. -4°F - 15°F

Summary

Equisetum scirpoides, commonly known as Dwarf Scouring Rush, is a semi-evergreen perennial herb native to moist coniferous forests, wetlands, and along stream banks in North America, Europe and Asia. It forms compact, dense clumps and typically reaches a maximum height of about 30 cm (12 inches). The plant has a reed-like appearance with dark green, jointed stems that resemble miniature bamboo. It does not produce showy flowers, as it reproduces by spores, but its architectural form adds interest to garden settings.

Dwarf Scouring Rush is valued for its hardiness and unique texture, making it a favored choice for water gardens, bog gardens, and as a ground cover in moist, shaded areas. It thrives in full sun to part shade, requiring medium to high amounts of water, and prefers soils with standing or slow drainage. It can spread via rhizomes, so containment or regular division may be necessary to prevent unwanted expansion.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.5-0.9 feet
  • Width: 0.389-0.7 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Drainage: Standing, Slow

Common Uses

Border Plant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Salt Tolerant, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

native to moist coniferous forests, wetlands, and along stream banks in North America, Europe and Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Dwarf Horsetail Rush, Dwarf Scouring-Rush, Small Horsetail, Minature Scouring Rush, Tråd-Padderok, Dværg-Padderok, Hentokorte, Prêle Faux-Scirpe, Prêle Scirpoïde, Meldru Kosa

Scientific Names: Equisetum scirpoides, Hippochaete scirpoides, Equisetum reptans, Equisetum hiemale var. tenellum, Equisetum tenellum, Equisetum scirpoides var. alpestre, Equisetum scirpoides var. caespitosum, Equisetum scirpoides var. elatum, Equisetum scirpoides var. minus

GBIF Accepted Name: Equisetum scirpoides Michx.