Horsetail is also known as Scouring Rush because of its usefulness as a scouring tool, due to the high silica content in the ridged stems. It is not a type of rush, however. It is an ancient plant that reproduces by spores, spreads far and wide by thick, ropey rhizomes, and remains truly evergreen. In cold winters, the top few inches of the unbranched stems may die back but winter interest remains high. The look of the stems and growth habit resemble bamboo, and like bamboo, this plant can spread very aggressively if planted in favorable conditions. It thrives in any wet soils and forms dense, strongly vertical colonies which provide great cover for wildlife. Once established, these colonies can be nearly impossible to eradicate, so use caution in choosing a planting site and perhaps consider planting in a sunken pot or using a soil barrier.Sources:
Native Ferns, Moss, & Grasses by William Cullina
Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants and Herbs by Steven Foster and James A. Duke
Missouri Botanical Garden
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Illinois Wildflowers
Grow Native! Salt-Tolerant Native Plants
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Equisetum hyemale (Horsetail/Scouring Rush) - 1 gal
Horsetail/Scouring Rush
Plant Care & Installation Quick-Guide
Proper acclimation and installation are key to your plant's success. Please cross-reference these tips with your plant's specific ID tags:
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Pre-Planting: Store plants in a light-appropriate area on soil or grass (avoid hot concrete or asphalt) and water daily until the soil is saturated and the pot feels heavy. If temperatures drop below 30°F, move pots to a garage or cover them to prevent root freeze.
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Installation: Dig a hole matching the depth of the pot, remove the fabric container, and ensure the plant’s crown or root flare is level with the ground. Fill gaps with soil, water heavily, and apply 2 inches of mulch—keeping it clear of the stem.
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Ongoing Care: Check moisture daily by feeling 1–2 inches into the soil; water deeply at the base if the soil feels dry or warm. Newly installed plants require frequent watering (up to 3–4 times weekly in heat) until fully established, which can take a few months for perennials and up to two years for trees.