Skip to main content

Horsetail

Equisetum hyemale

Photo by TimTwohig
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

41.8716, -71.3471

Field Notes

Description:

Horsetails are rush-like plants common in the late Paleozoic period. Equisetum
is the only surviving member of the family, making the plant a "living fossil."

This is the largest stand I have ever encountered... and it's in a suburban park! I'll be back in the summer to get some better, up-close photos.

I'm not familiar with the different species, so any help in identification would be helpful.

Habitat:

Transitional land between wetland and upland.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (1)
ScottRasmussen
Looks like Scouring Rush, Equisetum hyemale. It can form huge populations. I've got a big stand next to my house, but not nearly as large as the one you've photographed. The fruiting cones are really interesting, but infrequently formed, at least in the patches I've found. http://www.missouriplants.com/Ferns/Equisetum_hyemale_page.html

Spotted for Missions

Mission
WILD Cities: Urban Biodiversity
Mission
Ferns of Northeastern U.S.
Photographed
PublishedDecember 17, 2011

Community Sponsor

Butterfly
Become a Community Sponsor and Help Grow our Global Movement!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Butterflies icon
Become a Community Sponsor

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon

Nature & Conservation Organizations

Brands & Mission-Focused Companies