Overview
Equisetum telmateia is a bushy, columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Equisetum, part of the Equisetaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and Wider than 8 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Equisetum telmateia grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7.
About
Equisetum telmateia is the largest horsetail species native to the British Isles, often growing taller than 1 meter. This ancient plant, which does not produce flowers, is closely related to ferns and mosses. It propagates via a vast system of black rhizomes lying beneath the soil. The plant features tall, greenish-white stems that are marked with black bands at the joints, from which emerge whorls of 20 to 40 slender, green branches that can reach lengths of up to 20 centimeters. In early spring, it produces spores within oval cones located atop separate, shorter stems that are brown and white in color.
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 shade, Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Equisetum telmateia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- Wider than 8 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Equisetum telmateia
- Cultivation
- Found naturally in a wide range of environments, particularly damp and shady places such as woodland and embankments. If established in gardens its deep, persistent rhizomes (underground stems) make it very difficult to remove, but it is not strongly competitive so can be tolerated for its dramatic appearance in less cultivated areas. If you need to control it see horsetail for advice
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Spreads by spores but predominantly by underground rhizomes
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Equisetum telmateia?
Found naturally in a wide range of environments, particularly damp and shady places such as woodland and embankments. If established in gardens its deep, persistent rhizomes (underground stems) make it very difficult to remove, but it is not strongly competitive so can be tolerated for its dramatic appearance in less cultivated areas. If you need to control it see horsetail for advice.
Where is the best place to plant Equisetum telmateia?
Equisetum telmateia prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Equisetum telmateia need?
Equisetum telmateia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Equisetum telmateia?
No pruning required.
How big does Equisetum telmateia grow?
Equisetum telmateia reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of Wider than 8 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Equisetum telmateia hardy in the UK?
Equisetum telmateia has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Equisetum telmateia?
Spreads by spores but predominantly by underground rhizomes.