Field horsetail – Equisetum arvense
Print
EmailEquisetum arvense L.
Equisetaceae (Horsetail family)
MI Status
Native
Life cycle
Perennial, spore-producing plant.
Leaves
Not present.
Stems
Vegetative stems are green and branch in whorls. Stems may have a bottle-brush appearance and should not exceed 2 feet in height. Stems die back to the ground in winter.
Flowers and fruit
Erect, unbranched, white to brown fruiting stalks (stems) bear terminal spore-releasing cones. Flowers are not produced.
Reproduction
Spores and prolific rhizomes.
Similar weeds
Scouringrush (E. hyemale L.)
Differs by having larger evergreen stems with little or no branching. Grows only in wet areas.
Other Documents in this Series
You Might Also Be Interested In
-
Spartan students showcase EAV sustainability solutions
Published on May 12, 2025
-
MSU named Top 10 agriculture and forestry college in new report
Published on March 23, 2021
-
Celebrating 100 years of Michigan State University Extension in Alcona County
Published on October 19, 2017
-
Student-led bird banding innovation spearheads continuation of data collection despite COVID-19
Published on March 16, 2021
-
MSU to study precision livestock farming adoption trends in U.S. swine industry
Published on March 15, 2021
Accessibility Questions:
For questions about accessibility and/or if you need additional accommodations for a specific document, please send an email to ANR Communications & Marketing at anrcommunications@anr.msu.edu.