About
This evergreen perennial to 50cm tall, forming a clump of rough-textured, reed-like stems with whorls of slender, upward-pointing branches. A widespread wild plant of marshes and meadows across the British Isles.
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
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBogs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist to boggy soil in sun or partial shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free