Weed of the Week

9-8-08

Scouringrush, Equisetum laevigatum

                    

Photo credits: Nathan Kelbe, City and Count of Broomfield

 Characteristics:

Family: Equisetaceae (Horsetail family)

Origin: Native to U.S.A.

Description:

• Perennial

• Deep spreading root system

Stems:

• Rough, jointed and hollow

Flowers:

• Spore producing cone

Leaves:

• Scale-like appendages at stem nodes

 

Fruit:

• Spore

 

Additional information:

One of the oldest plants in existence.  Horsetail is generally found along wetland and riparian areas.  It can be a problem as a weed along roadside right of ways and is difficult to control if in crops.  Generally it causes few problems and is a native to the area; therefore it is not a noxious threat.

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