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Grass Like

Equisetum hyemale var. affine

A spreading, evergreen perennial, forming clumps of cylindrical, reed-like stems to 90cm tall. The rough-textured stems have black bands at the joints and can be used to create vertical accent points in the garden. However, this plant has the potential to become a nuisance and should be planted in a container to restrict its vigorous roots

Synonyms

Equisetum hyemale var. robustum
Equisetum hyemale affinis

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Ultimate height

0.5–1 metres

Time to ultimate height

2–5 years

Ultimate spread

1.5–2.5 metres

Chalk

Clay

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Poorly–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun
Partial shade

Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Exposed or Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Equisetaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Suckering
Genus: Equisetum are also known as horsetails or living fossils as they are the only living genus in Equisetaceae, a family of vascular plants which reproduce by spores rather than seeds. Plants have a rush-like appearance.
Name status: Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist to boggy soil in sun or partial shade; a container standing in a tray of water is ideal

Propagation

Propagate by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Architectural
Patio and container plants

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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