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water horsetail

Scientific Name: Equisetum fluviatile

Family: Equisetaceae

Category: Horsetail

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: MD (water horsetail)

       

Water Horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile)

Also known as Swamp Horsetail, Water Horsetail, or Scouring Rush, Equisetum fluviatile is a fascinating aquatic plant with a rich history and unique characteristics.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text indicates that large quantities of the plant can be hazardous.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant's stems contain silicon.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Equisetum fluviatile L.
  • Common Names: Water Horsetail, Swamp Horsetail, Scouring Rush
  • Family: Equisetaceae (Horsetail Family)
  • Synonyms: Equisetum fluviatile var. limosum, Equisetum limosum

Distribution and Habitat

  • Water Horsetail is found throughout the temperate northern hemisphere, including areas of Asia, Europe, North America, and North Africa.
  • It thrives in standing water of lakes, ponds, ditches, and fens, and along shorelines.
  • It prefers to root in water or clay soil and tolerates a wide range of water and substrate pH levels, nutrient levels, and water depths.
  • It's observed to be common in lochs and ditches, particularly in areas like Skye and Ireland.

Ecological Role

  • This plant is often a pioneer species in freshwater environments, indicating its ability to colonize disturbed or newly formed habitats.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Water Horsetail is a perennial plant that commonly grows in dense colonies.
  • It can reach a height of approximately 90cm (3 feet).
  • It lacks flowers and true leaves, with slender, dark green stems.
  • Only single stems produce the cone-shaped spore-producing body at the tip.
  • The stems are jointed, and tooth-like branches arise from these joints, fused at the base.
  • Horsetail stems contain silicon.

Quirky Facts

  • The botanical name, Equisetum, translates to equis (horse) and setrum (tail).
  • Horsetails are considered ancient plants, with distant relatives dating back to the Carboniferous period.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Water Horsetail beds are often dominated by homogeneous communities along the margins of Palaearctic lakes, rivers, and brooks.

Further Information

  • More information, including biology, taxonomy, and uses, can be found online.