Equisetum hyemale

 

  Horsetail Reed

  Family: Equisetaceae

  Primitive plant from Carboniferous Period

Hardiness: Hardy in Zones 7, 8, 9 and 10
Growth: Rapid growth and spread
Form: Reed-like to 4 feet tall
Leaves: Jointed stems
Flowers: None
Fruit or Seeds: Spores at end of stems
Exposure: Full sun or part shade
Water: Keep moist; tolerates wet soils
Soil: Clay soils are best
Fertilizer: None
Prune: Pull out broken stems
Problems: Very invasive; no pests or diseases

Best grown in containers. Difficult to restrict the spread of the roots. Use near ponds and pools and for vertical accent anywhere. Stems contain silica.

© 1997 by Jim Clatfelter.         Go to Garden California Home Page

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