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Equisetum hyemale
L.
Rough Horsetail
Equisetaceae
Equisetum hyemale is a species of horsetail in the family Equisetaceae. It is extremely widespread, found everywhere from North America to Europe to northern Asia, and is invasive elsewhere.
Description
Equisetum hyemale is herbaceous and can grow to at least 1 m tall. Rhizomes are dark brown and either creeping or erect. Stems are usually unbranched, green, and 5 to 9 mm, occasionally 3 to 9 mm, in diameter. These stems have 16 to 22 ridges and are arc-shaped to rectangular; they sometimes have two rows of bumps, called tubercles. Sheaths are spaced 5 to 8 cm apart. The sheaths themselves are 0.7 to 1.1 cm long, and have lanceolate teeth that are 0.3 to 0.5 cm. Strobili lack stalks; they are ovate and roughly egg-shaped, 1 to 1.6 cm tall, 0.4 to 0.7 cm wide and with a small sharp tip (FNAEC 1993).
Subspecies affine exists; it is slightly taller (growing up to 1.5 m tall) and lacks tubercles. It is native to North America down to Guatemala. It is also found in the Chinese province of Heilongjiang, and the Russian Far East (FNAEC 1993).
Equisetum hyemale is similar to Equisetum scirpoides and Equisetum variegatum, but both of them have fewer ridges on their stems, among other differences (“Equisetum: Dichotomous Key”).
Subspecies affine exists; it is slightly taller (growing up to 1.5 m tall) and lacks tubercles. It is native to North America down to Guatemala. It is also found in the Chinese province of Heilongjiang, and the Russian Far East (FNAEC 1993).
Equisetum hyemale is similar to Equisetum scirpoides and Equisetum variegatum, but both of them have fewer ridges on their stems, among other differences (“Equisetum: Dichotomous Key”).
Uses
Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
Equisetum hyemale has been used to polish wood and more. For medical purposes, the species is used as a diuretic and is used to treat kidney and bladder problems. Traditionally it has been used to treat inflammatory diseases (Lansdown 2014). Equisetum hyemale also is commonly grown as an ornamental. Once established, it can become vigorous, and invasive, as it is in many places. It grows in USDA zones 4 to 11 (Nash 2003).
Distribution
Equisetum hyemale is widespread along streams and in forests. It is commonly found in China, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, Russia, Central and Southwest Asia, Europe, and Central and North America (FNAEC 1993).
This plant grows vigorously and is an invasive species in many areas, like South Africa (“Snake grass”) and Australia, where it can poison livestock (“Horsetails (Equisetum species)”).
This plant grows vigorously and is an invasive species in many areas, like South Africa (“Snake grass”) and Australia, where it can poison livestock (“Horsetails (Equisetum species)”).
Status
Equisetum hyemale is listed on the IUCN Red List as "Least Concern", citing a widespread range and little to no threats that would threaten its population (Lansdown 2014).
References
Equisetum: Dichotomous Key. 2019. [accessed June 5, 2019]. https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/dkey/equisetum/#all
FNAEC (Flora of North America Editorial Committee), editor. 1993. Flora of North America, north of Mexico. Volume 2: Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. New York: Oxford University Press.
Horsetails (Equisetum species). NSW WeedWise. [accessed 2019 Jun 12]. https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/Details/157
Lansdown, R. V. 2014. Equisetum hyemale. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-1.RLTS.T203003A42381564.en.
Nash, H. 2003. Complete guide to water garden plants. New York: Sterling.
Snake grass. Invasive Species South Africa. [accessed 2019 Jun 12]. http://www.invasives.org.za/legislation/item/470-snake-grass-equisetum-hyemale
FNAEC (Flora of North America Editorial Committee), editor. 1993. Flora of North America, north of Mexico. Volume 2: Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. New York: Oxford University Press.
Horsetails (Equisetum species). NSW WeedWise. [accessed 2019 Jun 12]. https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/Details/157
Lansdown, R. V. 2014. Equisetum hyemale. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-1.RLTS.T203003A42381564.en.
Nash, H. 2003. Complete guide to water garden plants. New York: Sterling.
Snake grass. Invasive Species South Africa. [accessed 2019 Jun 12]. http://www.invasives.org.za/legislation/item/470-snake-grass-equisetum-hyemale
Description
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