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.

Equisetum

Equisetum 'Bandit' (v)

Equisetum arvense is a prehistoric, non-flowering species closely related to ferns and mosses. It develops a vast system of dark, subterranean rhizomes. The upright, branching stems are mid-green, ribbed, and segmented, typically growing to a height of around 80 cm. In early spring, spores are generated in oval cones located at the tips of distinct, shorter stems that are brown and white.

Equisetum arvense

Equisetum camtschatcense is a robust, clump-forming perennial that remains evergreen. It features upright, hollow stems that can reach up to 1 meter in height, marked with distinctive black bands.

Equisetum camtschatcense

Equisetum debile

Equisetum fluviatile is a perennial species that grows upright and forms clumps, reaching heights of approximately 1 meter. Its stems are predominantly hollow, featuring distinct ridges and joints, marked by yellow-brown bands. Thin branches arise in whorls from the nodes along the stems. Fertile stems bear blunt, spore-producing cones at their tips.

Equisetum fluviatile

Equisetum giganteum

Equisetum giganteum 'El Tabacal'

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.

Equisetum hyemale

This perennial plant is evergreen and spreads by forming clumps of upright, cylindrical stems that can reach heights of up to 90 cm. The stems have a rough texture and feature black bands at the joints, making them suitable for adding vertical interest to garden designs. Due to its vigorous growth, it is advisable to cultivate this species in a container to prevent it from becoming invasive.

Equisetum hyemale var. affine

Equisetum incanum

Equisetum myriochaetum

Equisetum palustre is a perennial plant that reaches heights of up to 50 cm. It develops a clump of coarse, reed-like stems adorned with whorls of slender branches that extend upwards. This species is commonly found in the wetlands and grasslands throughout the British Isles.

Equisetum palustre

Equisetum palustre var. polystachyum

Equisetum pratense

Equisetum ramosissimum

Equisetum ramosissimum var. japonicum is a robust evergreen perennial that can reach heights of up to 1.2 meters. It features hollow stems that are reminiscent of bamboo, adorned with distinctive black bands. This species serves well as a vertical element along pond edges. To manage its growth and prevent it from spreading excessively, it is advisable to cultivate it in a container.

Equisetum ramosissimum var. japonicum

Equisetum robustum

This is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial that reaches a height of up to 20 cm. It features slender, dark green, jointed stems reminiscent of reeds. To manage its growth and prevent unwanted spreading, it is advisable to cultivate this plant in a container.

Equisetum scirpoides

Equisetum sylvaticum

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.