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Equisetum arvense
Equisetum arvense
Equisetum arvense
Equisetum arvense

Equisetum arvense

TAXONOMY

FamilyEquisetaceae
GenusEquisetum
Zone3

ABOUT

Equisetum arvense, commonly known as field horsetail, is a perennial plant in the family Equisetaceae. It is native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. This plant is known for its high silica content and has been used historically for medicinal purposes. It has a rhizomatous growth habit and can be quite invasive if not managed properly.

ALSO KNOWN AS

Allostelites Arvensis
Field Horsetail
Equisetum alpestre
Equisetum arvense f. arcticum
Equisetum arvense f. arvense
Equisetum arvense f. atratidens
Equisetum arvense f. caespitosum
Equisetum arvense f. diffusum
Equisetum arvense f. frondescens
Equisetum arvense f. microstachya
Equisetum arvense f. nanum
Equisetum arvense f. nemorosum
Equisetum arvense f. polystachyon
Equisetum arvense f. proliferum
Equisetum arvense f. pseudoalpestre
Equisetum arvense f. pseudonemorosum
Equisetum arvense f. pseudovarium
Equisetum arvense f. ramulosum
Equisetum arvense subsp. alpestre
Equisetum arvense subsp. boreale
Equisetum arvense subsp. ramulosum
Equisetum arvense subvar. decumbens
Equisetum arvense var. alpestre
Equisetum arvense var. arcticum
Equisetum arvense var. arvense
Equisetum arvense var. boreale
Equisetum arvense var. campestre
Equisetum arvense var. decumbens
Equisetum arvense var. granulatum
Equisetum arvense var. nemorosum
Equisetum arvense var. nudum
Equisetum arvense var. polystachyon
Equisetum arvense var. proliferum
Equisetum arvense var. ramulosum
Equisetum arvense var. riparium
Equisetum arvense var. triangulare
Equisetum boreale
Equisetum calderi
Equisetum riparium
Equisetum saxicola

OVERVIEW

WaterVery Wet
SoilLoamy
LightIndirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature15° C
Humidity70%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar

DETAILS

Care Instructions
Field horsetail prefers indirect bright light and thrives in temperate climates. It requires consistently wet soil and high humidity. The plant can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefers moderate conditions. Regular watering is essential to keep the soil moist.
Soil
Equisetum arvense prefers loamy soil that retains moisture well. The soil should be consistently wet or even waterlogged, as the plant thrives in such conditions. Good drainage is not a primary concern for this plant.
Fertilizer
Field horsetail does not have high fertilizer requirements. It can grow well in moderate nutrient conditions and does not need frequent fertilization.
Repotting
Repotting is not typically necessary for field horsetail unless it is being grown in a container. If repotting is needed, it should be done in the spring. Ensure the new container has ample space for the rhizomes to spread.
Propagation
Field horsetail can be propagated through division of the rhizomes. This is best done in the spring or early summer. Carefully separate the rhizomes and plant them in a new location with similar growing conditions.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for field horsetail. However, if the plant becomes too invasive, it can be trimmed back to control its spread.
Toxicity
Equisetum arvense is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. It contains thiaminase, which can lead to thiamine deficiency. All parts of the plant are toxic, and care should be taken to prevent accidental ingestion.
Additional
Field horsetail is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in challenging conditions. It can be used as a natural abrasive due to its high silica content. However, its invasive nature means it should be managed carefully to prevent it from overtaking other plants.
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