Perennial – Rough Horsetail
Rough Horsetail
Botanical name: equisetum hyemale
Beginner friendly?: moderate
Average size at maturity: 3 ft in height with up to a 6 ft spread
Hardy zone: zones 4-10
Growth rate: grows less than 1 ft per year
Foliage color: green
Pruning instructions: trim to maintain desired shape and size in the winter/early spring before new growth begins to emerge
Propagation methods: propagate by division in the spring or fall months
Landscape use: rain gardens, container plant, wet spot management
Special features: disease resistant, cold hard, heat tolerant, flood tolerant
Light needs: less than 2 hours of sun per day
Watering instructions: keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
Fertilizing instructions : use a slow-release balanced fertilizer once a year in the early spring
Best time to plant: spring
Best type of soil: clay, loam
Companion plants: swamp milkweed, marsh marigold, umbrella sedge
Toxicity level: toxic for humans and pets if ingestedÂ
Invasive species: yes
