About
Equisetum scirpoides, the rush horsetail, is a tufted, evergreen perennial to 20 cm tall forming a clump of slender, rich-green, jointed, reed-like stems. One of the smallest horsetails, it is best grown in a container to prevent spreading. An unusual and architectural plant for a moist or wet, partly shaded position.
About the genus
Equisetum, the horsetails, are the sole surviving genus of a once-dominant group of plants, reproducing by spores rather than seeds. They produce jointed, hollow, ridged, rush-like stems with whorled, scale-like leaf sheaths at each node. Ancient and architecturally distinctive, they are grown in moist or wet gardens and containers.
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 hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like, Bogs
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toNorthern Hemisphere
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist to boggy soil in sun or partial shade; a container standing in a tray of water is ideal as this plant has the potential to become a nuisance
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free