Equisetum hyemale

Common Name: 
scouring rush, scouring rush horsetail
Scientific Name: 
Equisetum hyemale L.
Family Name: 
Equisetaceae - Horsetail Family
Identification Notes
Life Cycle
native perennial, reproducing by spores and rhizomes forming dense stands
Stems
upright, evergreen, unbranched, hollow, many ridged and rough, black bands ring the nodes
Growth Habit of Scouring Rush
Growth Habit of Scouring Rush
Leaves
small and scale-like, inconspicuous, fused to form cylindrical sheath at nodes, green becoming dark brown-black with age, tan above
Other: 
spore-bearing cones – terminal and solitary, oval, tan