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Description
Hippuris Vulgaris, commonly known as mare’s tail, is a freshwater plant that belongs to the family Hippuridaceae. It is native to Eurasia and North America and can be found in shallow water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. The plant is characterized by its long, slender stems that can grow up to 2 meters in height. Its leaves are narrow and whorled around the stem, giving it a distinctive appearance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Haloragales |
| Family: | Hippuridaceae |
| Genus: | Hippuris |
Appearance
Mare’s tail has long, slender stems that can grow up to 2 meters in height. The stems are unbranched and have narrow, whorled leaves. The leaves are arranged in a spiral pattern around the stem and are usually no more than 1 cm in length. The plant has no flowers or fruits and reproduces solely by vegetative means.
Care Guide
Mare’s tail is an easy plant to care for and requires minimal maintenance. It prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade and in water that is slightly alkaline. The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and is hardy in Zones 4-11. It does not require regular fertilization but can benefit from occasional feeding with a complete aquatic plant fertilizer. Mare’s tail can be propagated by division in the spring or fall.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mare’s tail is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can sometimes be affected by algae, which can compete with the plant for nutrients and light. Algae can be controlled by reducing the amount of organic matter in the water and using an algaecide if necessary.
Habitat
Mare’s tail is found in a variety of shallow water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. It can also grow in ditches and marshes. The plant prefers water with a slightly alkaline pH and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Is mare’s tail an invasive species?
A: Mare’s tail is not considered an invasive species in most areas where it is found, but it can spread rapidly in ideal conditions.Q: Can mare’s tail be grown in a container?
A: Yes, mare’s tail can be grown in a container as long as it is provided with enough water and sunlight.Q: Is mare’s tail toxic to humans or animals?
A: There is no evidence to suggest that mare’s tail is toxic to humans or animals.Q: Can mare’s tail be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Mare’s tail has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, but there is limited scientific evidence to support its efficacy.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Hippuridaceae family include:
- Hippuris Procerum
- Hippuris Tetraphylla
- Hippuris Monticola
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Hippuris vulgaris. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280062&isprofile=0&
- Bonnett, G. D. (1999). Hippuris vulgaris (mare’s tail). Journal of Ecology, 87(6), 1026-1040.
- University of Wisconsin-Madison. (n.d.). Mare’s tail. Retrieved from https://waterweeds.wisc.edu/weed-index/hippuris-vulgaris/
