Horsetail is a water-loving plant that looks stunning almost anywhereas long as you take measures to control it.
Water plants dont get much easier to grow than horsetail.
Horsetail tolerates a wide range of soils and even grows in standing water.
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This plant has survivedand thrivedsince prehistoric times.
So, its not surprising to learn that horsetail is tough.
The bad news is that horsetail is incredibly invasive, and its tough to eradicate.
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It is also considered toxic to horses, so use caution when planting it near areas where they roam.
Grow lofty horsetail alongside surface-hugging water lily and water hyacinth.
Horsetail will provide a strong vertical accent in any of these locations.
The evergreen perennial is particularly well suited to water gardens, bog gardens, or trough gardens.
It is perfect for covering a boggy area where nothing else works.
It also looks striking at the edges of streams and ponds.
Credit: John Noltner
If you choose to plant horsetail, consider taking measures to contain its growth.
Seedlings or nursery-grown horsetail plants can be placed in the ground or planted in containers outside in early spring.
Fill in the remaining dirt and water profusely.
Credit: Denny Schrock
double-check the pot is secure and will not tip.
It also requires very little maintenance aside from a consistent supply of water.
It can grow in several inches of water but does not tolerate being fully submerged.
Credit: Lynn Karlin
The more fertile and humus-rich the soil, the more slowly horsetail grows.
Fertilizer
Fertilization is not required unless you are growing horsetail in very poor soil.
These rhizomes will typically appear in spring, but in fluctuating weather, they can happen at any time.
Horsetail spreads rapidly when planted in the ground and will overtake nearby cultivated and wild areas.
Dig up a colony of the plant and cut apart the rhizomes connecting the clumps.
Horsetail is hard to kill, so dont worry about damaging the root system.
Do not discard horsetail in compost bins, yard debris bins, or in areas where livestock feed.
Pests and Problems
Horsetail is both pest and disease resistant.
Just dig up the plant and cut away a portion of the rhizomatous root clump.
you’ve got the option to replant the new division immediately in a similar container or another location.
Dont be tempted to add additional plants.
Horsetail is known to flourish in some of the toughest conditions.
It is native to the northern hemisphere and grows wild in nearly all climates.
It typically grows up to 2 feet tall with upright shoots that resemble bottle brushes.
Scouring Horsetail
With its tall, cylindrical, bamboo-like stems,Equisetum hyemalespreads aggressively through creeping rhizomes.
They are hardy in Zones 3-7 and can be found as far north as Newfoundland and Alaska.
It sends out grassy sprays of leaves that jut out from the stems like a fireworks display.
Papyrus is hardy in Zones 9 and 10.
To address an area of established growth, you might deter horsetail by changing the cultural conditions.
It is a slow process but will eventually work if you are diligent about removal and rehabilitation.
If necessary, install aFrench drain.
In the spring, remove the mulch and move the plant back outside into the sunshine.
ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants
Field Horsetail.
ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants
Integrated pest management prescription horsetail-scouring rush.Maine.gov- Thurston County Environmental Health Division
