Equisetum hyemale

Horsetail

Horsetail spreads from creeping rhizomes in an extremely wide range of soils from full sun to part shade. Growing 3-5' tall in dense dark green colonies this is a great choice for moist low spots where nothing else will grow. Although lacking true leaves or flowers, the upright stems add a nice vertical accent to horizontal shoreline edges and its evergreen colors carry well into the winter. This plant provides habitat for pond life and historically was used for scouring, sanding, and filing because of the high silica content in the stems. Moderately Winter persistent.

Bloom Color

Brown

Characteristics & Attributes

Exposure

•	Sun
•	Partial Shade

Mature Height

•

2' - 4'

Spread Characteristics

•	Rhizomatous - Rapid

Season of Interest (Flowering)

•	Spring
•	Summer

Season of Interest (Foliage)

•	Spring
•	Summer
•	Fall
•	Winter

Pond Zonation

•	Flood Plain - Upland
•	High Marsh - Saturated Soil

Foliage Color

•

Green

Wildlife Benefits

•	Amphibians
•	Cover
•	Fish
•	Food
•	Nesting
•	Waterfowl

Critter Resistance

•	Deer Resistant
•	Goose Resistant

Wetland Indicator Status

•	FACW
•	FACW+

Plant Type

•	Bog/Marsh
•	Marginal
•	Rush

Attributes

•	Container
•	Cut Flower
•	Dried Flower
•	Drought Tolerant
•	Erosion Control
•	Fibrous Roots
•	Great Foliage
•	Ground Cover
•	Mass Planting
•	Native
•	Naturalizing
•	Storm Water Basin

USDA Hardiness Zone

•	4
•	5
•	6
•	7
•	8
•	9
•	10
•	11