Equisetum hyemale
A wetland horsetail with no branches on the stem
Equisetum hyemale scouring-rush
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Tall, slender, hollow, with dark green stems that overwinter and are mostly unbranched. Surfaces are rough; sheaths are outlined above and below by dark edges.
Habitat & Range
Grows along moist roadsides, shores of lakes, streams & rivers.
Relatively common and present throughout the state.
| EMP: | FACW |
|---|---|
| NCNE: | FAC |
Phenology
This horsetail overwinters.
Characteristics
Stems 7 to 86 in. tall, 0.5 in thick at base; erect, evergreen, and usually unbranched. Second-year stems more likely to branch than first-year stems, as are stems with tips damaged in some way. If present, branches tend to be nearly vertical. Fertile and sterile stems are alike. Sheath 1 to 2 times longer than wide; tight to stem, green at first, then gray with dark bands at base and top. Sharp-pointed, brown-edged teeth usually soon wither and disappear.
Cavities central cavity 2/3 or so of stem in diameter. Vallecular canals much smaller than central cavity.
Cone 0.5-1 in. Short-stemmed, with sharp-pointed tip, maturing in summer.
Rhizome branching and widely creeping.
Special Characters
There are no branches off the main stem.
Plant Codes
S-rank: S5 (Secure)
G-rank: G5 (Secure)
Equisetum hyemale scouring-rush
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