Similar to ferns, horsetail reproduces through spores and underground rhizomes.
Horsetail adapts to many growing conditions and is impervious to diseases and pests.
Horsetail is usually planted in early spring, though it will survive planting at almost any time.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
This fast-growing plant achieves full height within a matter of weeks.
If not contained, it can take over quickly.
Horsetail is toxic to grazing animals.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Soil
Horsetail thrives best in poor, sandy, gravely soil that is frequently wet.
Water
When it comes to soil moisture, horsetail prefers soil that is at least moderately wet.
It can even grow in standing water up to a depth of about 4 inches.
Hiromi Suzuki / Getty Images
Thus, it’s well-suited forrain gardensand other areas that may periodically flood.
In warmer climates, this can even mean watering daily.
This can take several seasons before the plant surrenders and dies back completely.
Ed Reschke / Getty Images
Spring is the best time to perform this action.
Horsetails also sprout cone-shaped fruits that contain many tiny spores that can increase their spread.
Snip off the fruiting stems before they ripen and dispose in a sealed bag.
Yeshorsetail is extremely easy to care for.
For plants with a similar and somewhat wavy appearance like horsetail, try plantingpampas grassorcommon cattails.
This plant can get out of hand if left to grow on its own.
2017;37(12):1357-1368. doi:10.1590/s0100-736x2017001200001
Field Horsetail.Washington State University.
New Zealand Plant Conservation web connection.
Equisetum: Biology and Management.Iowa State University Extension.
