Equisetum hyemale, 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 horsetail lacks true leaves or flowers it's beautiful cones and the upright stems add a nice vertical accent to shoreline edges. Evergreen colors carry well into the winter. Equisetum hyemale provides habitat for pond life and is a favorite perch of dragonflies. Historically horsetail was used for scouring, sanding, and filing because of the high silica content in the stems.
Exposure
|
Mature Height
|
Spread Characteristics
|
Season of Interest (Flowering)
|
Season of Interest (Foliage)
• |
Spring |
• |
Summer |
• |
Fall |
• |
Winter |
|
Pond Zonation
• |
Flood Plain - Upland |
• |
High Marsh - Saturated Soil |
|
Foliage Color
|
Wildlife Benefits
• |
Amphibians |
• |
Cover |
• |
Fish |
• |
Food |
• |
Nesting |
• |
Waterfowl |
|
Critter Resistance
• |
Deer Resistant |
• |
Goose Resistant |
|
Wetland Indicator Status
|
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 |
|