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Horsetail

Equisetum spp.

Horsetail is a spore forming plant rather than a seed plant. It must have wet areas to become established but once in place it can tolerate very dry conditions. It seems to be quite toxic to horses and should be eliminated from pastures. At the present time no one is sure how to do that. The leaves are needle-like and are whorled (several at one node circling the stem).

Photo of Horsetail

Photo by Dr. John Meade, weed scientist emeritus
Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension