Scouringrush Horsetail

(Equisetum hyemale)

Scouringrush Horsetail (Equisetum hyemale)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Equisetum hyemale, commonly known as Scouringrush Horsetail, is an evergreen perennial herb native to a wide range of habitats including wet woodlands, riverbanks, and ditches across Eurasia and North America. It typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters) with a spread of 1-1.5 feet (0.3-0.5 meters). The plant features rough, hollow, jointed stems that are medium to dark green and can resemble bamboo. The stems are not true leaves but are photosynthetic and contain silica, which historically made them useful for scouring pots.

Scouringrush Horsetail is valued for its architectural form and texture in the garden, providing year-round interest with its evergreen stems. It is often used in modern and Asian-inspired garden designs, fitting well into narrow spaces and providing a strong vertical accent. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. While it requires minimal maintenance, it can spread aggressively by rhizomes and should be planted in contained areas or pots to prevent unwanted spread. It is also important to check its invasive status before planting it outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2-4 feet
  • Width: 1-6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium, High
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow, Standing

Common Uses

Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Potted Plant, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Wet woodlands, riverbanks, and ditches across Eurasia and North America

Other Names

Common Names: Rough Horsetail , Scouring Horsetail , Scouringrush , Tall Scouring-Rush , Western Scouringrush , Dutch Rush , Common Scouring-Rush , Great Scouring-Rush , Prairie Scouring-Rush , Scouring-Rush Horsetail

Scientific Names: Equisetum hyemale , Equisetum hyemale var. ramigerum , Equisetum zonatum , Hippochaete hyemalis , Equisetum hyemale subsp. scheicheri , Equisetum hyemale var. capillare , Equisetum prealtum var. affine , Equisetum ramigerum , Presla hyemalis

GBIF Accepted Name: Equisetum hyemale L.