Description
Product Description
Equisetum hyemale (Horsetail / Scouring Rush) is a striking, evergreen rhizomatous plant valued for its perfectly upright, jointed green stems that create strong vertical lines year-round. A natural fit for pond margins, rain gardens, bioswales, and modern designs, it thrives in wet to saturated soils and tolerates shallow standing water. Durable, architectural, and virtually pest-free, Horsetail excels where consistent moisture and bold texture are desired—use with containment for tidy plantings and long-term control.
Quick-Glance Specs
| Attribute | Details |
| Botanical Name | Equisetum hyemale |
| Common Name | Horsetail; Scouring Rush; Rough Horsetail |
| Plant Type | Evergreen fern ally (Equisetaceae); rhizomatous |
| Native/Non-native | Native (widespread in North America) |
| Hardiness Zone | 3–11 |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Moisture | Moist to wet; tolerates shallow standing water |
| Mature Height | 2–4 ft (to ~5 ft in rich or shaded sites) |
| Mature Spread | Spreading clumps via rhizomes (colony-forming) |
| Growth Habit | Strongly upright, cane-like stems; rhizomatous spread |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to fast in wet soils |
| Fragrance | None |
| Bloom Time | Non-flowering (spore-bearing strobili late spring–summer) |
| Seasonal Interest | Evergreen stems; year-round structure |
| Foliage & Features | Dark green, ridged, silica-rich stems with black banded joints |
| Landscape Features | Stormwater performance, erosion control, wind/salt tolerance |
| Landscape Uses | Pond/stream margins, rain gardens, bioswales, ditches, architectural screens |
| Soil | Sand, loam, or clay with consistent moisture; tolerates poor/compacted soils |
| Water Needs | Medium to wet |
| Maintenance | Low; annual cutback/comb-out; contain rhizomes |
| Deer/Pest Resistance | Highly deer and rabbit resistant; few pests |
| Container Friendly | Excellent—thrives in large, moisture-retentive containers |
| Recommended Spacing | 12–18″ for dense screens; 18–24″ for masses |
Care & Growing Information
- Site & Light: Performs in full sun to part shade; densest clumps in sun with ample moisture.
- Soil & Water: Prefers wet to saturated soils and tolerates 1–4″ of standing water. Adapts to sand or clay if moisture is steady.
- Containment (Important): This species spreads by underground rhizomes. Use a root/rhizome barrier (12–18″ deep), bottomless containers, or plant where spread is acceptable. Inspect edges annually and remove runners beyond the intended area.
- Planting: Set crowns at soil level along shorelines; water regularly to establish. In containers, use a heavy, moisture-retentive mix and keep evenly wet.
- Maintenance: Low-care. Leave stems for winter structure; cut back or comb out older/browned culms in late winter/early spring. Fertilization rarely needed.
Key Features
- Bold evergreen vertical stems for year-round architecture
- Moist–wet soil specialist; thrives at water’s edge and in rain gardens
- Deer/rabbit resistant and virtually pest-free
- Effective erosion control and stormwater planting
- Ideal for contemporary designs and narrow screening
Problems
- Primary concern is uncontrolled spread if uncontained. Avoid dry sites (tips may brown). Rhizomes can infiltrate gaps—maintain barriers and edge regularly.
Uses in the Landscape
- Rain gardens, bioswales, and stormwater basins
- Pond and stream margins; naturalized wetland edges
- Architectural screens/hedges in modern designs
- Containers for strong vertical accent near water features
Availability / Ordering
- Sizes Offered: #1 Gallon, 4″, DP-50 Plug
- Recommended Spacing: 12–18″ for tight screens; 18–24″ for masses; always plan for containment.
Why You’ll Love It
- Unmatched vertical, evergreen texture in wet soils
- Low maintenance and tough across a range of conditions
- Easy to shape into clean lines for contemporary landscapes
Quick Highlights
An evergreen, rhizomatous horsetail for wet sites—Equisetum hyemale delivers bold vertical structure, stormwater performance, and minimal upkeep. Use barriers or containers for precise, long-term control.
