Equisetum hyemale

Horsetail

Equisetum hyemale — commonly called Horsetail — is a bold, architectural, evergreen perennial valued for its upright, jointed, dark green stems with distinct black bands, providing strong vertical interest year-round. The rigid, reed-like stems remain green through winter with little seasonal color change, forming dense colonies that create a striking, modern look in the landscape. Its unique texture and form make it especially effective as a structural accent or in water features.

Mature Size:
Width: Spreading indefinitely (can form colonies)
Height: 3–4 ft

USDA Zones: 4a–9b
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist to wet soils; tolerant of poor drainage
Water: High; thrives in consistently moist or wet conditions
Wildlife: Provides cover for small wildlife; generally not favored by deer

Features & Landscape Uses:
Form: Upright, rigid, spreading perennial with a strong vertical habit
Excellent for water gardens, pond edges, containers, and modern landscapes
Spreads by rhizomes and can be aggressive if not contained
Provides year-round architectural interest
Highly adaptable to wet sites

Maintenance:
Best contained with barriers or grown in containers to control spread
Cut back damaged stems as needed
Remove unwanted shoots to manage growth

Plant type

Perennial

Height

3-4'

Width

1-6'

Hardiness zones

4–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring, Spring, Summer

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Butterflies

Soil

Clay, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Water Garden

Shape

Spreading, Upright

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No