Equisetum hyemale, Horsetail, spreads from creeping rhizomes in an extremely wide range of soils from full sun to part shade. Growing 3-5' tall in dense dark green colonies this is a great choice for moist low spots where nothing else will grow. Although horsetail lacks true leaves or flowers it's beautiful cones and the upright stems add a nice vertical accent to shoreline edges. Evergreen colors carry well into the winter.  Equisetum hyemale provides habitat for pond life and is a favorite perch of dragonflies. Historically horsetail was used for scouring, sanding, and filing because of the high silica content in the stems. 

Bloom Color