Equisetum fluviatile - Water Horsetail, Native Pond Marginal Plant

Equisetum fluviatile, known as water horsetail, is a UK native with upright, hollow, jointed green stems, sometimes with whorls of thin side branches. It has no flowers and makes spores in cone-like tips on the stems.

Water horsetail at a glance

Botanical name	Equisetum fluviatile
Common name	Water horsetail, swamp horsetail
Plant type	Semi-evergreen horsetail with creeping roots
Height and spread	About 50 cm–1 m tall, 50–100 cm wide
Flowers	None; it makes spores in cone-like stem tips
Position	Full sun or part shade
Soil	Wet soil or shallow water; any type or pH
Pond depth	0–15 cm of water over the crown
Hardiness	RHS H7 – very hardy (below -20°C)
Native to	UK (native)

Where to plant water horsetail

The margin of a wildlife pond, up to 15 cm deep
Wet ground beside a pond or stream

Does it spread?

Yes. It spreads by creeping roots and can form dense colonies, so grow it in an aquatic basket. It is generally free of pests and diseases.

Is it poisonous?

Horsetails contain thiaminase and are a known risk to horses that eat them in quantity, often in hay. Keep it away from grazing animals and do not eat it.

Which size should I buy?

Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.