Horsetail Reed Plants

Thirty species of horsetail plants comprise the Equisetaceae family, and each species belongs to one of two basic forms that currently exist: a hollow, leafless and jointed variety known as scouring rush; and the slender, green whorl-branched variety that resembles a horse's tail. Often found in saturated areas, horsetail reeds are made up of several segmented, vertically growing green tubes that can also grow well in drier areas once the plant has established itself.

The common variety of horsetail reed is a popular ornamental grass for water gardens and moist areas of lawns. Commonly known as "bottle rush," it is of the scouring rush variety. People have used it for centuries to clean pots, pans and silver. This horsetail reed is markedly different, as it bears leafless stems and does not recede during fall. Easily identified throughout the Pacific Northwest by its deep-green color and double black bands at its jointed stems, the Equisetum hyemale can reach a height of 4 feet and adds a uniquely tropical look to any landscape.

Equisetum scirpoides, more commonly known as Dwarf Horsetail, is a reed known for its erosion control and deer-resistance properties. Essentially a mass of reeds that grow in a dense mat of slender, jointed stems, this variety makes an excellent grass-like ground cover for wet spots in your yard. It will only grow to about 8 inches in height.

The Giant Horsetail is the tallest and most robust variety of this group of plants. Found west of the Cascade Mountains, Giant Horsetail reed plants originated in Europe and northern Africa and can now be found along North America from Alaska to northern Mexico.