Equisetum hyemale - Rough Horsetail (Scouring Rush), Pond Marginal Pla

Equisetum hyemale, known as rough horsetail or scouring rush, is a UK native with tall, hollow, jointed green stems banded black at each joint. It stays green all year and gives a strong vertical line at the pond edge.

Rough horsetail at a glance

Botanical name	Equisetum hyemale
Common name	Rough horsetail, scouring rush
Plant type	Evergreen, non-flowering perennial
Height and spread	Up to about 1.8 m tall, 50–100 cm wide
Flowers	None; spreads by spores and roots
Position	Full sun or part shade
Soil	Permanently moist soil or shallow water
Pond depth	0–10 cm of water
Hardiness	RHS H7 – very hardy (below -20°C)
Native to	UK and Ireland, Europe, Asia and North America

Does rough horsetail spread?

Yes, strongly, and it is very hard to remove once established in open ground. Always grow it in a solid pot or aquatic basket to contain the roots.

Where to plant rough horsetail

In a basket on a pond shelf, up to 10 cm deep
Large pots and container ponds
Contemporary and Japanese-style water gardens

Is rough horsetail poisonous?

It is not edible, and dried stems mixed into hay can harm livestock. Keep it away from grazing land and stop pets chewing it.

Which size should I buy?

Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre, 3 litre and 5 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 cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.