Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Scouring Rush; Horsetail Rush

Equisetum hyemale
Plant Type: Grasses / Sedges / Rushes
Native Environment: Stream Edge, Wetland
Season of Interest:
Main Color: Green
Fall Color: Green

USDA PLANTS Range Map

At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

Sun Exposure 
Full Sun
Soil
Moisture
Moderate, High, Wet, Aquatic
Nature Attracting
Wildlife Benefit
Animal
Resistance
Size

Height:

18 to
36
inches

Spread:

18 to
24
inches
Size
Height: 18 to
36
inches
Spread: 18 to
24
inches
Size
Height: 18 to
36
inches
Spread: 18 to
24
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Wetlands, pond edges, confined landscapes.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Great in moist or wet areas, spreads strongly; confine spread by mowing borders or plant in containers.
Special Features
Special Usage
Fresh Cut Flower, Ground Cover
Basic Description

Aggressive spreading reed-like perennial. Very distinctive upright stems with tiny leaves that form dark bands around them at each joint, a strong architectural-type plant! Very tough and long lived. Rough or raspy texture.

 

Equisetum hyemale plants bordered by a street and sidewalk.

Equisetum hyemale. Photo: Carol Davit

Where Should I Start?

Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.

What’s the Next Step?

Picked out your plants? View our Resource Guide of garden centers, seed sources, landscapers, education resources, and more!

Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.

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