Description
Equisetum – Horsetail – Scour Rush –
There are about 25 species of spreading, rhizomatous, flowerless, often marginal aquatic perennials, in this genus. They mainly occur at pond margins and dry land, in the Northern Hemisphere although a few cross the Equator to Africa and South America. The cylindrical stems are spreading, branching, jointed, and black tinged, joined to form sheaths. Horsetails are useful in water garden, although often invasive. All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.
Grow in containers sunk into the ground, with the lip kept above ground level, don’t allow rhizomes to escape drainage holes. Grow dry land species in soil based potting mix in full sun. Water moderately in the growing season. Grow aquatic species in soilless potting mix in full sun at a water depth of 0-6″. Divide in spring or autumn.
Prone to root rot or blight.
E. scirpoides – Dwarf Horsetail – Dwarf Scouring Rush – This clump forming, emergent or marginal evergreen perennial from North America and Greenland grows 6-8″ tall with an indefinite spread. It produces thin, wiry, deep green stems with distinctive nodes. Leaves are joined to become tiny sheaths, 1/8″ long. From summer to autumn it bears tiny, light brown strobili at the stem tips. Good as a low, grassy groundcover.
Zones 5-11
