Horse Tail or Scouring Rush
Horse Tail or Scouring Rush
A non-flowering, rush-like, rhizomatous, evergreen perennial which typically grows 3-5’ tall. This species features rigid, rough, hollow, vertically-ridged, jointed-and-segmented, bamboo-like, dark green stems (to 1/2” diameter at the base) which rise up from the plant rhizomes. Each stem node (joint) is effectively marked by a whorl of tiny, stem-clasping, scale-like leaves which are fused into an ash-gray sheath (1/4” long) ending in a fringe of teeth. Each sheath is set off and accentuated, both above and below, by thin, stem-ringing, black bands. The evergreen stems are particularly noticeable in winter and can provide significant interest to the landscape. Stems have a high silica content and were used by early Americans for polishing pots and pans, hence the common name of scouring rush. Very aggressive spreader.
Uses: Water gardens. Japanese gardens. Bog gardens. Stream or pond peripheries. Good plant for covering a wet low spot where nothing else will grow. Interesting plant for large patio containers. Provides strong vertical accent to any planting.
Full sun to part shade
Zone 4 to 9
Height 2-4′