Equisetum scirpoides - Dwarf horsetail

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Native Wetland Plants

Equisetum scirpoides

Dwarf horsetail

Equisetum scirpoides, Dwarf horsetail, is a slender small-sized Equisetum growing less than 1' tall in dense dark green colonies along shorelines and shallow water. Although lacking true leaves or flowers, the upright stems of Dwarf horsetail add a nice shorter vertical accent to horizontal shoreline edges. Dwarf horsetail plant provides habitat for pond life and historically was used for scouring, sanding, and filing because of the high silica content in the stems. Larger horsetails have the ability to absorb heavy metals from soil and are often used in remediation projects involving heavy metal contaminants.

Bloom Color

Brown

Equisetum scirpoides Characteristics & Attributes

Exposure
Sun
Partial Shade
Shade
Mature Height
< 1'
Spread Characteristics
Rhizomatous - Med
Season of Interest (Flowering)
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
FAC
FACU
FACW+
Plant Type
Bog/Marsh
Marginal
Rush
Attributes
Container
Drought Tolerant
Erosion Control
Evergreen
Fibrous Roots
Great Foliage
Ground Cover
Mass Planting
Native
Naturalizing
Storm Water Basin
USDA Hardiness Zone
4
5
6
7
8
9