Common Name: Scouring-rush Horsetail
Scientific Name: Equisetum hyemale
Order: Equisetales
Family: Equisetaceae
Wetland Plant Status: Facultative
Ecology & Description Scouring-rush horsetail is an evergreen, perennial plant that completes a growing season in two years. At maturity, scouring-rush horsetail usually averages 3 feet in height but can be range anywhere from 2 to 5 feet. It can survive in a variety of environments. One single plant can spread 6 feet in diameter. It has cylindrical stems that averages a third of an inch in diameter. Noticeably spotted are the jointed unions that are located down the plant. The stems are hollow and don’t branch off into additional stems. Also, scouring- rush horsetail has rough ridges that run longitudinal along the stem. Although not covered in leaves, tiny leaves are joined together around the stem which then forms a black or green band, or sheath at each individual joint on the stem. This plant has an enormous root system that can reach 6 feet deep and propagates in two ways: rhizomes and spores. Incredibly, due to the fact that this plant is not full of leaves, it is forced to photosynthesize through the stem rather than leaves.
Habitat Scouring-rush horsetail is highly tolerant of tough conditions. It can survive and thrive in full sun or part shade and can successfully grow in a variety of soil types. It can also grow in moderate to wet soils, and can survive in up to 4 inches of water.
Distribution Scouring-rush horsetail can be found throughout the United States, Eurasia, and Canada.
Native/Invasive Status Scouring-rush horsetail is native to the United States, Eurasia, and Canada. In regards to the United States, it is native to the lower 48 states. It is also invasive to all areas where it is found naturally because of its aggressive growth.
Wildlife Uses Scouring-rush horsetail has no known nutritional value for animals. However, if ingested, scouring-rush horsetail is poisonous. The sharp silica crystals are very painful when ingested and is also life threatening.
Management & Control Techniques It is very difficult to kill and control the plant in part to the fact that is has evolved so much for the past million years and has adapted to various climates across the globe. In an attempt to control or kill scouring-rush horsetail, one can follow a series of steps. By first cutting the plant as soon as it emerges removes the cone tips and may have to do so for as many as four growing seasons. Next, one can dig up the plants occasionally during the growing season to prevent re- sprouting. After this step, one can put black plastic over the dug up plants which put an end to the growth. Lastly, as a last resort, herbicides can be applied to kill the scouring-rush horsetail.
References Dave’s Garden. 2015. Rough Horsetail, Scouring Rush, Winter Scouring Rush, Common Scouring Rush, Dutch Rush. Online.
This document was authored by Morgan Mayeux, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, April 2015.