About
This ancient, non-flowering plant, related to ferns and mosses, spreads through its very extensive network of black, underground stems. The largest native horsetail, reaching over 1m tall, and found throughout the British Isles. Tall, greenish-white stems, ringed with black at the joints, support whorls of 20-40 fine, green branches up to 20cm long. Spores are produced in early spring in oval cones at the top of separate, shorter, brown and white stems.
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 shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
SpreadWider than 8 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesBorders, containers, mixed plantings.
Care notes
CultivationFound 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
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationSpreads by spores but predominantly by underground rhizomes
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free