SafePlants

Equisetum laevigatum: Smooth Horsetail, Smooth Scouring Rush

Equisetum laevigatum, commonly known as smooth horsetail or smooth scouring rush, is a fascinating plant with a rich history and unique characteristics.

Considerations for Pets

• The text describes stems as "stiff" and "segmented." These physical characteristics could pose a risk if ingested by pets, potentially causing irritation or blockage.

Considerations for Children

• The plant's stems are described as "stiff" and "segmented." These characteristics might make the plant tempting for children to play with, but could pose a hazard.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Equisetum laevigatum A. Braun
• Common Names: Smooth Horsetail, Smooth Scouring Rush
• Family: Equisetaceae (Horsetail Family)
• Synonyms: Equisetum funstonii
• Taxonomic Rank: Equisetopsida: Equisetales: Equisetaceae
• The genus name Equisetum comes from the Latin words "equus" (horse) and "seta" (bristle). The specific epithet "laevigatum" is derived from the Latin word meaning "smooth, slippery."

Distribution and Habitat

• Equisetum laevigatum is native to much of North America and California.
• It is often found arising from mud in moist soils, such as along irrigation canals and the edges of bodies of water.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• This plant has stiff, green, knee-high stems that are conspicuously segmented with black.
• The stems are generally smooth. However, an uncommon form, f. prolifera, produces narrow cylindrical branches in whorls along the upper half of the central stem.
• It reproduces by spores and spreads by rhizomes, not by flowering.

Ecological Role

• It is noted that Equisetum laevigatum is less weedy and aggressive than Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) and Equisetum hyemale.

Quirky Facts

• Smooth Scouring Rush gets its name from its historical use by early settlers and Native Americans for scouring or cleaning purposes.
• Equisetum laevigatum is described as an "odd plant" that has changed little since early in the history of plants.

Traditional Uses

• A decoction of the plant was reportedly used as a contraceptive by the Costanoan people.

Further Information

• USDA PLANTS Database: Symbol EQLA
• Invasive Plant Atlas
• Discover Life