About
An upright, clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial to about 1m high, with mostly hollow, ridged and jointed stems with yellow-brown banding. On fertile stems, blunt spore-bearing cones are produced at the tips. Thin branches emerge in whorls around the stem nodes.
About the genus
Equisetum are also known as horsetails or living fossils as they are the only living genus in Equisetaceae, a family of vascular plants which reproduce by spores rather than seeds. Plants have a rush-like appearance.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAquatic, Bogs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, permanently moist soil, or in water up to 10cm deep. Good in containers, which can help to contain spread. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
PruningRemove dead or damaged stems to improve appearance
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free