Overview
Equisetum hyemale is a columnar upright aquatic in the genus Equisetum, part of the Equisetaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Equisetum hyemale grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include architectural, city and courtyard gardens and patio and container plants. It is native to Eurasia and N. America.
About
Equisetum hyemale is an erect, evergreen perennial that can reach heights of approximately 180 cm. Its stems are hollow and jointed, featuring distinctive black banding.
About the genus
Equisetum, commonly referred to as horsetails, represents the sole living genus within the Equisetaceae family. These vascular plants reproduce via spores instead of seeds. Their form resembles that of rushes.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Equisetum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Equisetum hyemale size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Aquatic, Bogs
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- Eurasia, N. America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Equisetum hyemale
- Cultivation
- Grow 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
- Pruning
- Remove any dead or damaged stems to improve appearance
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Equisetum hyemale?
Grow 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.
Where is the best place to plant Equisetum hyemale?
Equisetum hyemale prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Equisetum hyemale need?
Equisetum hyemale is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays poorly-drained.
How do I prune Equisetum hyemale?
Remove any dead or damaged stems to improve appearance.
How big does Equisetum hyemale grow?
Equisetum hyemale reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Equisetum hyemale hardy in the UK?
Equisetum hyemale has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Equisetum hyemale?
Propagate by division in spring.