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(Elegia capensis)
Horsetail Restio (Elegia capensis)
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Nicola van Berkel
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Nicola van Berkel
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Nicola van Berkel | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Nicola van Berkel | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-04-03T12:45:52-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Elegia capensis, commonly known as Horsetail Restio, is an evergreen perennial grass-like plant native to the fynbos biome, which includes rocky slopes and sandy plains in the Western Cape of South Africa. It typically grows to a height of 6-9 feet (1.8-2.7 meters) and a width of 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters). This plant features reed-like stems that resemble horsetails and produces brown, cone-like inflorescences at the tips of the stems during late summer to fall. The flowers are not particularly showy, but the plant’s overall texture and form make it an interesting garden specimen.
Horsetail Restio is valued for its architectural form and textural contrast in the garden. It is often used in ornamental plantings, as a focal point in borders, and in water-wise gardens due to its drought tolerance once established. It requires well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy. While it prefers full sun, it can also grow in part shade. This plant is also recognized for its low maintenance needs and has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. Gardeners should be aware that it may require protection from frost in colder climates.CC BY-SA 4.0
Horsetail Restio is valued for its architectural form and textural contrast in the garden. It is often used in ornamental plantings, as a focal point in borders, and in water-wise gardens due to its drought tolerance once established. It requires well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy. While it prefers full sun, it can also grow in part shade. This plant is also recognized for its low maintenance needs and has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. Gardeners should be aware that it may require protection from frost in colder climates.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 6-9 feet
- Width: 3-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant
Natural Habitat
Fynbos biome, including rocky slopes and sandy plains in the Western Cape of South Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Besemriet, Fonteinriet, Katstert, Kanet
Scientific Names: , Elegia capensis, Elegia verticillaris, Restio verticillaris, Equisetum capense, Restio verticillatus,
GBIF Accepted Name: Elegia capensis (Burm.f.) Schelpe