Equisetum hyemale

Also Known As

Equisetum hyemale var. californicum
Equisetum hyemale var. robustum
Equisetum prealtum
Equisetum robustum
Hippochaete hyemalis
Horsetail
Rough Horsetail

Plant type

perennial, aquatic

size

H: 4'
W: 6'

planting zones

3a-9b

More Options

Equisetum hyemale plant details

Equisetum hyemale is a broadleaf evergreen perennial aquatic with green foliage. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and standing water - even moisture water. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Equisetum hyemale

Plant type: perennial aquatic
Plant family: equisetaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 0 - 6 FT - wide, 0 - 4 FT - tall
Uses: potentially invasive

GROWING CONDITIONS for Equisetum hyemale

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: standing water - even moisture
Resistant to: verticillium wilt

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Once planted near homesteads to be used for scouring, these tough, hollow leafless green stems (to 3') could still be used that way (!), but also as a containerized accent near pond or patio (do containerize?it spreads).

By: Forestfarm

Zn 4. Vertical, rush-like. Bog plant. Evergreen

By: Little Prince of Oregon

Boasting a strong architectural appeal, this California native has sturdy bamboo-like stems and is much taller than the species. The deep green stems are divided by brown joints and, because they contain silica, were once used to polish tin and wood. Makes an excellent container plant, in or out of water

By: Digging Dog Nursery

Scouring Rush, here called Horsetail. 2 - 4 feet tall, unbranched, erect, evergreen. Zones 2 - 10. Native to North America, Europe and Asia.

By: Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

Equisetum hyemale is a prehistoric plant and is regularly getting attention in our garden. The bamboo like foliage is dark green with black bands ever 4 to 5 inches. It is not a bamboo relative but more closely related to ferns. The tubular stems will from what looks like a odd cone like structure that produces spores in mid to late summer. Once mature plants can reach 4 to 6 feet tall. I must worn people it can be invasive in wet areas and should be given a spot were it can spread. It is often grown in pods as an aquatic or bog plant but should be kept in pots or containers to stay contained. Plants can be evergreen if wind protected. Plants can handle from zone 4 to 9. I have also found the plant to be great for cleaning pots and pans as used in the old days. This plant contains silica which makes it idea for cleaning tarnished metals.