Common Horsetail (Equisetum Arvense) is a perennial fern in the Equisetaceae family with easy care difficulty. It requires high watering and full sun or partial shade light in USDA hardiness zones 3-9. This plant is toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach of pets.

Equisetum arvense is a perennial, non-flowering, herbaceous plant in the horsetail family, widely distributed in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Common Horsetail

Common Horsetail

Equisetum Arvense

Equisetum arvense is a perennial, non-flowering, herbaceous plant in the horsetail family, widely distributed in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Quick Facts

Type
fern
Lifecycle
perennial
Care Difficulty
Easy
Water Needs
High
Light
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Hardiness Zones
3-9

Safety

⚠️
Not Pet Safe
⚠️
Not Child Safe
☠️
Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:sandy, loamy, clay
Indoor:No
Outdoor:Yes
Garden Use:erosion control, groundcover

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for Common Horsetail

Jan
Prune
Feb
Fertilize
Mar
Repot
Apr
Water+
May
...
Jun
...
Jul
...
Aug
...
Sep
...
Oct
...
Nov
...
Dec
...

Expert Care Tips

Pro tips from botanists and plant experts

Watering Tip

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1 inch deep. Water only when the top layer feels dry to prevent overwatering.

Humidity Trick

Group plants together to create...

Growth Hack

Rotate your plant every...

Photo Gallery10+ photos

Common Horsetail
Common Horsetail detail

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Taxonomy

Family:Equisetaceae
Genus:Equisetum