Field Horsetail

(Equisetum arvense)

Other Names:
Sometimes erroneously called Mare's tail

Range:


Family:
Equisetaceae - Horsetail Family

Growth Type:
Herbaceous Perennial
Fertile stems lack chlorophyl.
Infertile stems are photosynthetic

Height:
Fertile stems: 4 - 10 inches tall
Infertile stems: Can grow up to 3 feet tall

Leaves:
Fertile stems: 4–8 whorls of brown scale leaves.
Infertile stems: Whorls of thin needle-like shoots or leaves grow from stem segments.

Stem/Trunk:
Fertile stems: Are produced in early spring and are non-photosynthetic. They are off-white and succulent. with 4–8 whorls of brown scale leaves and an apical brown spore cone 10–40 mm long and 4–9 mm broad. They look like whitish-tan asparagus.
Infertile stems: Contain chlorophyl, and start to grow after the fertile stems have wilted and persist through the summer until the first autumn frosts.

Root:
Rhizome

Flower Season:
N/A

Flower Appearance:
Non-flowering

Seed/Fruit:
Spores develop in the spring-time fertile stems.

Miscellaneous characteristics:
This plant is sometimes confused with Mare's tail, Hippuris vulgaris.

Habitat:
Look for this plant in rich moist soils of cultivated areas, and near streams and ponds

Parts Used:
Food: Springtime Fertile succulent stems
Medicine: Infertile green stems

Culinary Uses:
The fertile springtime stems can be eaten raw, or gathered and lightly sauteed or steamed. The slightly sweet, delicate flavor is a special treat. The infertile green growth phase is inedible.

The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.

Energetics
Taste: Salty
Thermal: Cooling
Humidity: Drying

Medicinal Uses:
Use the tops of young infertile stems in mid-summer. The best way to use this plant is to make a tea, or to decoction of the fresh plant. The high silica content of the infertile growth phase makes this plant an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain, or improve their joint health. It helps to maintain elasticity in the connective tissue of joints. it has been found to be helpful as a remedy for bleeding and healing ulceration. It is effective at treating chronic cystitis. It has also been used to help repair allergy damaged lungs. A strong decoction has been shown to bring on menstruation. It should therefor not be used by pregnant women, as this might cause spontaneous miscarriage.

Medicinal Actions:
Astringent, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Styptic, Tonic: Kidney