Equisetum fluviatile
NPPA pest plant
Common names
water horsetail
Biostatus
Exotic
Conservation status
Not applicable
Category
Vascular
Structural class
Ferns
Flower colours
No flowers
Detailed taxonomy
Genus
Family
Ecology
Year naturalised
1988
Reason for introduction
Ornamental
Life cycle and dispersal
Reproduces by spores and rhizomes; dispersed by wind and vegetative spread by water and as accidental pot contaminants
Other information
Etymology
equisetum: From the Latin equus ‘horse’ and setum ‘bristle’, the barren growths resembling horses’ tails.
fluviatile: Growing by water; from the Latin fluvius
National Pest Plant Accord species
This plant is listed in the 2020 National Pest Plant Accord. The National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA) is an agreement to prevent the sale and/or distribution of specified pest plants where either formal or casual horticultural trade is the most significant way of spreading the plant in New Zealand. For up to date information and an electronic copy of the 2020 Pest Plant Accord manual (including plant information and images) visit the MPI website.