Scientific Name(s)

Equisetum arvense

Common Name

Horsetail

Type

Perennial

Description

Primitive group. Stems hollow. Whorl of branches occur at each joint of stem. Leafless. Very long rootstock.

Habitat

Fields, roadsides

Folklore

Boiled for treating ulcers. Used to clean pots and pans.

Soil Type

All

Soil Fertility

Poor

Soil Moisture

very dry or wet

Soil pH

Acid

Sunlight

Full sun

Success

Creeping underground stems. Spores bind to aid fertilisation of separate sex types.

Importance

Common troublesome weed.

Cultural Control

Fork out rhizomes from soil.

Chemical Control

Uncultivated areas apply glyphosate / 2-4-D / dicamba / mecoprop. Shrub and Tree Areas. Dichobenil under fruit, roses.