Horsetail

Garden Problems

Horsetails, including Field horsetail and Rough horsetail (Equisetum spp) are fern-like, colony forming perennial weeds. They spread by way of rhizomatous roots. They are becoming more common and widespread in New Zealand.

Identify the problem
Horsetail is regarded as one of the most difficult weeds to get rid of. It forms colonies of upright shoots with whorls of needle-like leaf/branches at intervals up the stems giving the plant a brush or horse tail like appearance. The rhizomatous roots spread through the soil and send up new stems at intervals. The above ground shoots die back in winter and new ones grow from the roots each spring.
How to solve the problem
- Spray entire colony of horsetail with Weed Weapon Extra Strength concentrate made up with Dye & Stick or Weed Weapon Rapid Action ready to use. It is important that all parts of the horsetail colony are sprayed so that all parts of the root system are effected by the systemic active ingredients.
- If horsetail re-sprouts from the root, treat again.
- For long term control in paths, driveways and other non-cultivated areas use Weed Weapon Long Term.
Did you know?
- Horsetail was used as a pot scourer in Europe in the distant past. Horsetail can be toxic to browsing stock animals.
- Latin names: Field horsetail - Equisetum arvense, Rough horsetail - Equesetum hyemale.