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Meadow horsetail

Equisetum pratense · Equisetaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant meadow horsetail: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

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ID card

Foliage
Deciduous, disappears in winter
Adult height
30 to 60 cm
Growth
Fast, even invasive
Hardiness
Very hardy, tolerates -20°C and below
Origin
Temperate and arctic Eurasia
Soil type
Moist to marshy, tolerant
Exposure
Partial shade to full sun

Care

Watering

Field horsetail appreciates constantly moist soil, even temporarily flooded conditions. Water regularly during the growing season, especially in summer. During drought, the plant slows down but recovers as soon as moisture returns.

Exposure

Install the horsetail in partial shade or direct sun depending on your climate. It tolerates light shade well and grows vigorously in sunny, moist conditions. Avoid exposure to intense drying winds.

Soil and planting

Horsetail thrives in soils rich in organic matter, moist to marshy. It adapts to many soil types, including clay and acidic soils. Plant it in a pot or in a delimited area to control its natural spread.

Pruning and maintenance

No formal pruning is necessary. Cut back dried stems in late autumn. If the horsetail becomes too invasive, remove excess stems in spring or summer.

Fertilizing

Field horsetail doesn't require regular fertilizing if the soil is rich. An annual application of well-decomposed compost or light organic fertilizer in spring is sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen.

Diseases and pests

Horsetail is very hardy and rarely affected by serious diseases. Be careful not to create excessive water stagnation, which could promote root rot. Few pests attack it.

Did you know?

Field horsetail is a true living fossil: its giant ancestors colonized the Earth over 300 million years ago. Historically, its siliceous stems were used to polish metals and wood, earning it the nickname "horsehair." Today, it still fascinates botanists with its rhizomatous system, very ancient and barely modified since the Carboniferous era.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.