SafePlants

Grey Mare's Tail and Hippuris Species

The name "Grey Mare's Tail" commonly refers to several waterfalls, including notable ones in Scotland and Ireland. It is also associated with the aquatic plant genus Hippuris, particularly species known as "mare's tail."

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Hippuris
• Family (formerly): Hippuridaceae (now included in Plantaginaceae)
• Family (currently): Plantaginaceae (Plantain family)
• Species:
  • Hippuris vulgaris (Common Mare's-tail)
  • Hippuris montana (Mountain Mare's-tail) - Symbol: HIMO2
  • Hippuris tetraphylla (Flea mare's-tail)

Distribution and Habitat

• Hippuris species are aquatic plants found in shallow ponds and streams.
• Hippuris montana (Mountain Mare's-tail) is specifically found in high-altitude environments.
• Grey Mare's Tail waterfalls are located in Scotland (Dumfries and Galloway, near Moffat, Glencoe) and Ireland (Bluestack Mountains, Sruell valley).

Morphological Characteristics

• Common mare's-tail (Hippuris vulgaris) resembles a robust green bottlebrush.
• Hippuris montana has fruits arranged in a whorl around the stem, subtended by a whorl of leaves. Blooms typically occur in July.

Ecology and Wildlife

• The areas around Grey Mare's Tail waterfalls are habitats for various wildlife, including mountain goats, mountain hares, peregrine falcons, osprey, ring ouzels, black grouse, buzzards, dippers, and wrens.

Points of Interest

• Grey Mare's Tail waterfalls are popular destinations for hiking, walking, and mountain biking.
• Some locations offer opportunities for extreme canyoning.

Further Information

• TripAdvisor provides candid photos and videos of Grey Mare's Tail, Dumfries and Galloway.
• Galloway Mountain Rescue provides excellent resources related to the Galloway area.
• Harvey Mountain Maps are available for specific trails, such as the Grey Mare's Tail and Loch Eilde Mor walk.