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Field horsetail

How to identify Field horsetail (Equisetum arvense)

Field horsetail, also known as Mare's tail, Foxtail, Jointed rush, Western horsetail, Snake grass

Field horsetail features dense vegetation with coarse, erect, unbranched stems that can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall, resembling the tail of a horse. The stems are marked by a distinctive series of ridges and joints. It produces two types of shoots: early spring brings non-photosynthetic, spore-bearing stems topped with light-brown cones, followed by the emergence of green, photosynthetic sterile shoots that last through the summer until autumn frost. These green shoots have whorls of tiny, scale-like leaves, and the plant disseminates via spores that react to moisture by curling or uncurling, assisting in their movement into the soil.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Fern

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Field horsetail

1

Coarse, erect stems reach 2 feet (60 cm) with distinctive ridges and joints.

2

Non-fertile stem nodes bear small sheath-like leaves with dark teeth.

3

Whorled branches create a segmented appearance with solid angular side branches.

4

Emergence of green shoots in spring with spore-producing cones at the top.

5

Moisture-responsive spores aid in dispersal by curling or uncurling for soil penetration.

Field horsetailField horsetailField horsetailField horsetailField horsetail

Detailed Traits of Field horsetail

Leaf Features

The leaves of field horsetail are diminutive sheath-like structures encircling each node of the non-fertile stem. Typically, these sheaths possess multiple dark-colored teeth at their apex. Additionally, the leaves at the base of the branchlets are scale-like with similar tooth-like features. These sheaths are generally small, measuring approximately 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in length, and are essential for plant identification due to their distinctive toothed appearance.

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Stem Features

The stem of field horsetail is green, with a hollow core, measuring about 0.1 to 0.2 inches (0.3 to 0.5 cm) in diameter. It features whorled branches that spread out or ascend, giving it a segmented appearance. The solid, angular side branches are a distinct characteristic. In the spring, a tan-colored fertile stem, about 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30 cm) tall, emerges with a cone at the top producing white spores.

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Key Facts About Field horsetail

Attributes of Field horsetail
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Fern
Plant Height
10 cm to 90 cm
Spread
20 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Yellow
Variegated
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Field horsetail

Family
Horsetail
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Species
Field horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
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Distribution Map of Field horsetail

Field horsetail is a widespread plant that is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It thrives in a variety of habitats and has been introduced to regions in the Southern Hemisphere, where it has adapted to similar environments. Field horsetail's range extends across continents, and while it is not a cultivated species, its resilience has allowed it to establish itself in areas beyond its native distribution.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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