Scouringrush

Equisetum hyemale

Weed Description
An erect perennial from rhizomes with evergreen stems. Stems photosynthesize, and leaves are scale-like, reduced, and essentially useless. Found in open or shaded stream banks, ponds, fields, and ditches.

Leaves
Leaves are reduced to scales and do not photosynthesize.

Stems
Round, rarely branched, measure up to 2m in height, and vertically ribbed. Stems provide energy for the plant by photosynthesizing.

Flowers
Reproduction is by spores and has a conelike structure at the peak of the stem. Spores are numerous and microscopic.

Roots
Fibrous root system that emerges from a black, round, creeping rhizome that infrequently has tubers.

Identifying Characteristics
Spore-bearing cones at the peak of the stem, with a fibrous root system expanding from rhizomes. No obvious leaves are present and stems are frequently found clustered together in wet or moist areas. Scouringrush is similar in appearance to field horsetail but is found in wet areas and has evergreen stems and occasional to nonexistant branching.

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

Scouringrush

Equisetum hyemale