Equisetum scirpoides, known as dwarf horsetail, forms tufts of very slender, wiry, dark green stems with black or brown bands. It stays evergreen, giving interest through winter, and can take on a pinkish tinge in hard cold.

Dwarf horsetail at a glance

Botanical name Equisetum scirpoides
Common name Dwarf horsetail, rush horsetail
Plant type Evergreen horsetail; forms tufted clumps
Height and spread About 15–20 cm tall (up to 30 cm), spreading 25–100 cm
Flowers None; it makes spores in small cones
Position Full sun or part shade; tolerates shade
Soil Moist to boggy, poorly drained soil; any type or pH
Pond depth 0–5 cm of water over the crown
Hardiness RHS H4 – hardy in an average UK winter (-10 to -5°C)
Native to Not UK native (introduced in Britain)

Where to plant dwarf horsetail

  • The very shallow edge of a pond, 0–5 cm deep
  • Small ponds, container ponds and pots stood in a tray of water
  • Bog gardens with moist to boggy soil

Does it spread?

Sources differ. Some nurseries describe it as slow-growing and non-invasive, but the RHS says it has the potential to become a nuisance and recommends growing it in a container.

How to plant and care for it

Plant from spring to late summer in moist to boggy soil or very shallow water. It is generally free of pests and diseases.

Which size should I buy?

Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.

Pond depth: 0 - 5cm

Light: Full sun or part shade

Hardiness: Hardy

Height and spread: 10 - 20cm tall, 50 - 100cm wide

Planting and flowering months are shown in the calendar under the photos.

Bare root (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre, 3 litre): plants sent without a pot or compost, ready to plant straight away. The most economical way to plant a group.

Potted (9 cm, 1 litre, 3 litre): plants growing in our recycled, peat-free compost made in Lincolnshire. Larger sizes give a faster display.

Pack of 3 (7 cm bare-root, 9 cm bare-root, 1 litre bare-root, 3 litre bare-root): three plants of the chosen size at a lower price per plant.

2x Pot & Compost: two plants supplied with pots and compost.

Sizes shown with a line through them are currently unavailable.

At Lincs Plants, we strive to provide fast and reliable shipping to ensure your plants arrive in perfect condition. We offer 1-3 day shipping through a variety of dispatch methods to suit your needs.

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