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| Category: Grass-like |
| Family: Equisetaceae (Horsetails) |
| Origin: North America |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: NA |
| Bloomtime: Not Significant |
| Synonyms: [Equisetum hibernale] |
| Height: 4-6 feet |
| Width: Spreading |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: <15° F |
| May be Poisonous (More Info): Yes |
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Equisetum hyemale (Horsetail) - This vertical, rush-like evergreen spreading perennial produces branch-less, hollow corrugated stems with black bands that ring the nodes and reaches 5 to 6 feet in height. A hardy perennial dating back to the Carboniferous period of the Paleozoic Era, at which time the fossil record shows that they grew over 40 feet tall with the diameter of a large tree trunk. Similar to ferns, Equisetum have no flowers, rather they reproduce by vegetative methods (spreading) or by emission of spores. Its vigorous growth habit should be considered before planting it out without measures taken to control it. The cylindrical and hollow stems retain large quantities of silica, hence another common name Scouring Rush, which give them an abrasive quality which was used for centuries to smooth the shafts of arrows, polish suits of armor, fine finish work in watch making and cabinetry, scour barrels, and filing and polishing metals. Use in ponds in water up to 4 inches deep, at the edge, or plant directly in the ground. It will grow well in full sun or shade, and is hardy below 15 degrees F. Horsetails show promise as ground covers for dikes, road cuts, abandoned strip mines and other bare areas. They tend to absorb heavy metals, and so may be useful as biological monitors of water or soil contamination by zinc, cadmium and lead. Note, however, that horsetails cause a serious poisoning, called equisetosis, in horses. For this reason it may not be suitable for certain farm ponds. The name for the genus comes from the Latin words 'equus' meaning "horse" and 'setum' meaning "bristle" or "hair" in reference to the way some of the branched species appear like a horse's tail. This plant is considered a noxious weed in some locations and its importation into Australia and New Zealand is banned.
This description of this plant is based on our research and our observations of it growing at the nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens. We always appreciate receiving feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or have additional cultural tips that would aid others growing Equisetum hyemale .
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