Description
Horsetail is a perennial weed with deep spreading root stock. Horsetail is most noted by its jointed stems which are hollow and will pull apart at the joints. The leaves are small and scale like. They are located at the joints on the stems. Horsetail is found in moist soils along streams, ponds, roadsides and low areas in fields. Horsetail forms dense patches of stems that persist throughout the winter. Horsetail spreads by underground root stock and spores. Horsetail is found throughout the summer months. Horsetail is found from Canada to Mexico. Certain species are more prevalent to specific regional locations.
Weed Photos: Courtesy of Dr. Lambert McCarty. Clemson University. Clemson, SC.
Herbicide Use
For best results, apply your post-emergence herbicide when horsetail is young and actively growing, before spore heads are formed.