SCIENTIFIC NAME: Equisetum hyemale

COMMON NAME: horsetail; scouring rush

FAMILY: Equisetaceae

TYPE: perennial

LEAVES: scale-like, inconspicuous; stems upright, evergreen, hollow

FLOWER: none (sporangia at tip of stems)

SEASON OF BLOOM: n/a

GROWTH HABIT: erect stems, 3-5' tall, spreading clumps

SOIL: wet/bog to dry, well drained; moist best

SUN: sun to shade

HARDINESS: zone 4

UTILIZATION: durable plant for difficult sites, especially bogs, edges of water gardens or streams

DISEASES: none serious

INSECTS AND RELATED PESTS: none serious

PROPAGATION: division

MAINTENANCE: none

NOTES: native to North America; used to scour pots in pioneer days