Water Plants

Equisetum hyemale

Horsetail rush

Equisetum hyemale

Hollow green stems with dark joint bands create strong vertical lines beside water. This ancient, spore-producing plant is grown for its evergreen architecture rather than flowers, and its vigorous underground spread makes containment important.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to part shade
Pond placement: Contained bog or pond-margin planting.
Water depth: Up to 4 in. of water over the soil.
Winter care: Cold-hardy perennial; retain healthy green stems and remove damaged ones.
Mature size: About 5–6 ft. tall
Water: Permanently moist soil or shallow water

Measure water above the planting soil, not total pond depth.

Sizes & prices

6''$21.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Resistance & tolerances

Wet soil: Tolerates permanently wet soil.

Keep in mind: Spreads vigorously; keep away from areas where escaped rhizomes would be difficult to remove.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Upright, evergreen jointed stems.

Water garden care

Planting method: Aquatic basket for pond-edge planting; keep spreading roots contained.
Spread: Use a robust container to contain rhizomes.
Pruning: Remove damaged or dead stems.
Division: Divide in spring.

Sources & photo credits

Royal Horticultural Society

Photo: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0

Reviewed September 27, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.