Equisetum hyemale
Common name
Rough horsetail
Family
Equisetaceae
Flora category
Vascular – Exotic
Structural class
Ferns
Conservation status
Not applicable
Habitat
Terrestrial.
Features
A plant with erect stems arising from rapidly spreading underground rhizomes. Stems unbranched or very sparsely branched, and the central 2/3 diameter of stem hollow. Stem ridges with 2 rows of tubercles, sheath with black bands at top and bottom. When fertile, apiclate (on flexible stalks) cones produced on the green stems.
Similar taxa
Similar to Equisetum arvense but unbranched or very sparsely branched, and, when fertile, with cones produced on the green stems, not on seperate brown stems. Also distinguished by the central hollow 2/3 diameter of stem, stem ridges with 2 rows of tubercles, sheath with black bands at top and bottom, and cone apiculate. (Webb et al 1995).
Flower colours
No flowers
Year naturalised
1993
Origin
Europe, Asia, N. America
Etymology
equisetum: From the Latin equus ‘horse’ and setum ‘bristle’, the barren growths resembling horses’ tails.
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.
Life Cycle Comments
Rhizomes to 1m underground. Toxic to stock. Aggressive and almost impossible to erradicate. being sold and given away as a medicinal herb. Slender asparagus-like spear with black rings. (Melanie Newfield, 1996). Major potential weed.