Description
Equisetum scirpoides, known as dwarf horsetail, forms tufts of very slender, wiry, dark green stems with black or brown bands. It stays evergreen, giving interest through winter, and can take on a pinkish tinge in hard cold.
Dwarf horsetail at a glance
| Botanical name |
Equisetum scirpoides |
| Common name |
Dwarf horsetail, rush horsetail |
| Plant type |
Evergreen horsetail; forms tufted clumps |
| Height and spread |
About 15–20 cm tall (up to 30 cm), spreading 25–100 cm |
| Flowers |
None; it makes spores in small cones |
| Position |
Full sun or part shade; tolerates shade |
| Soil |
Moist to boggy, poorly drained soil; any type or pH |
| Pond depth |
0–5 cm of water over the crown |
| Hardiness |
RHS H4 – hardy in an average UK winter (-10 to -5°C) |
| Native to |
Not UK native (introduced in Britain) |
Where to plant dwarf horsetail
- The very shallow edge of a pond, 0–5 cm deep
- Small ponds, container ponds and pots stood in a tray of water
- Bog gardens with moist to boggy soil
Does it spread?
Sources differ. Some nurseries describe it as slow-growing and non-invasive, but the RHS says it has the potential to become a nuisance and recommends growing it in a container.
How to plant and care for it
Plant from spring to late summer in moist to boggy soil or very shallow water. It is generally free of pests and diseases.
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 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 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
