Description
Equisetum hyemale, known as rough horsetail or scouring rush, is a UK native with tall, hollow, jointed green stems banded black at each joint. It stays green all year and gives a strong vertical line at the pond edge.
Rough horsetail at a glance
| Botanical name |
Equisetum hyemale |
| Common name |
Rough horsetail, scouring rush |
| Plant type |
Evergreen, non-flowering perennial |
| Height and spread |
Up to about 1.8 m tall, 50–100 cm wide |
| Flowers |
None; spreads by spores and roots |
| Position |
Full sun or part shade |
| Soil |
Permanently moist soil or shallow water |
| Pond depth |
0–10 cm of water |
| Hardiness |
RHS H7 – very hardy (below -20°C) |
| Native to |
UK and Ireland, Europe, Asia and North America |
Does rough horsetail spread?
Yes, strongly, and it is very hard to remove once established in open ground. Always grow it in a solid pot or aquatic basket to contain the roots.
Where to plant rough horsetail
- In a basket on a pond shelf, up to 10 cm deep
- Large pots and container ponds
- Contemporary and Japanese-style water gardens
Is rough horsetail poisonous?
It is not edible, and dried stems mixed into hay can harm livestock. Keep it away from grazing land and stop pets chewing it.
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre, 3 litre and 5 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
