Equisetum hyemale ssp. affine

Scouring Rush

Scouring Rush is a plant with a very long history. It once covered much of the world’s surface and fed herbivorous dinosaurs, in fact. It has hollow green stems which grow to 4 feet high; each stem is segmented and has black-and-tan rings at its joints. It is evergreen, essentially leafless, and flowerless. It produces small cone-like spikes full of spores. Plant it in sun or light shade; although it prefers wet soil, it will grow in drier places. This plant is extremely invasive, so plant it in a heavy-duty container or other area where it can be controlled.