Consulta Plantas

Care of the aquatic plant Equisetum hyemale or Rough horsetail

The genus Equisetum, family Equisetaceae, comprises 15 species of prehistoric plants distributed throughout Asia, Europe, America and Africa. Some species are: Equisetum hyemale, Equisetum arvense, Equisetum giganteum, Equisetum diffusum, Equisetum sylvaticum.

Common names: Rough horsetail, Scouringrush horsetail, Snake grass. This species is native to North America and Eurasia.

They are living fossils dating back 350 million years. They have dark green hollow stems that reach 90 cm (35.43") in height. The leaves are tiny and appear attached to the stems forming dark bands around them. They do not produce flowers.

Rough horsetail is used in pots for patios and terraces or in ponds. It has medicinal properties and were formerly used to polish metals.

Equisetum hyemale needs full sun or semi-shade exposure. It resists frost.

Snake grass can grow in any moist soil that contains organic matter. If it's grown in ponds, it should be planted in pots because it spreads from rhizomes that can become invasive.

Water frequently so that the substrate is always moist if it's not grown in a pond.

Fertilize with compost in the fall or early spring.

Scouringrush horsetail does not need pruning.

Equisetum hyemale is a plant resistant to pests and diseases that only fears drought.

Rough horsetail propagates easily by division during the spring.

Images of the aquatic plant Equisetum hyemale or Rough horsetail