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Description
Equisetum Arvense, commonly known as field horsetail, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Equisetaceae family. It is native to Europe, but it can also be found in North America, Asia, and Africa. Field horsetail is considered a living fossil as it is one of the oldest plant species on earth, dating back to the Paleozoic era. The plant has a long history of medicinal use, and it is still used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Order | Equisetales |
| Family | Equisetaceae |
| Genus | Equisetum |
Appearance
Field horsetail has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other plants. It has a thin, upright stem that can grow up to 60 cm in height. The stem is segmented and has a rough texture, with whorls of tiny, scale-like leaves at each joint. The leaves are green and needle-like, and they can be up to 5 mm long. Field horsetail produces spores that are borne in cone-like structures at the tips of the stems.
Care Guide
Field horsetail is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: Field horsetail prefers moist soil, but it can tolerate drought conditions. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
- Fertilization: Field horsetail does not require fertilization, as it can grow in poor soil conditions.
- Soil: Field horsetail prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
- Sunlight: Field horsetail prefers partial shade, but it can tolerate full sun. In hot and dry weather, it may benefit from some shade to prevent the soil from drying out.
- Hardiness Zones: Field horsetail is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Field horsetail is generally not susceptible to pests and diseases. However, some common problems that may affect this plant include:
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that can affect the roots of the plant. It is caused by overwatering and poor drainage.
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that can cause brown spots on the leaves of the plant. It is caused by high humidity and wet conditions.
- Spider mites: These are small pests that can suck the sap out of the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and dry out.
- Aphids: These are small pests that can feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to curl and distort.
Habitat
Field horsetail can be found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, meadows, and forests. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate both sun and shade. Field horsetail can spread rapidly and can become invasive in some areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is field horsetail poisonous?
A: No, field horsetail is not poisonous. However, it may contain high levels of silica, which can be harmful if ingested in large quantities.
Q: Can field horsetail be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, field horsetail has a long history of medicinal use. It is used to treat various ailments, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and skin conditions.
Q: Can field horsetail be used in cooking?
A: No, field horsetail is not edible and should not be used in cooking.
Q: How can I control the spread of field horsetail in my garden?
A: Field horsetail can be difficult to control, as it spreads through underground rhizomes. To prevent its spread, you can remove the plant by hand or with a weed trimmer. You can also try covering the affected area with a layer of plastic or mulch to prevent new growth.
Related Plants
- Equisetum hyemale
- Equisetum telmateia
- Equisetum fluviatile
- Equisetum palustre
References
- “Equisetum Arvense.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 25 May 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e668
- “Equisetum Arvense (field horsetail).” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 25 May 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/4954/equisetum-arvense/details
- “Field Horsetail – Equisetum Arvense.” Gardening Know How. Accessed 25 May 2021. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/horsetail-plants/growing-horsetail-plants.htm
