Equisetum fluviatile

Also called Water horsetail

Forms dense colonies in shallow water or ponds
Tall erect dark green smooth stems sport fine ridges
At each joint, the stem has a whorl of tiny black-tipped scale leaves
Stems can also sport short, slender ascending and spreading branches of dark green
Stems are hollow and can be readily pulled apart at the joints

ZONE:
3

COLOUR:
Non-flowering

HEIGHT:
60-75 cm

SPREAD:
60-70 cm

Currently Unavailable

Substitutions Are Available

Growing and Maintenance Tips:

Equisetum is known to be very aggressive. They spread by creeping rhizomes, and planting them in containers with the lip slightly above ground is recommended. Plants can be used in ponds and marshes with a depth of 10-15 cm of standing water. Very adaptable to both wet and dry conditions.

Additional Notes about River Horsetail:

Native to Ontario and most of North America.

Geese and other waterfowl graze on the stems and roots. In the wild, it is an important spring and summer graze for bears, and when consumed by cows, it is said to increase milk yield. The plant acts as a "nutrient pump'', bringing nutrients from deep in the ground, and leaving them on the surface when they decompose.