Equisetum palustre
| Equisetum palustre | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 2 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 2' |
| Meadows Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Equisetum palustre (common name: marsh horsetail)
Propagation: Spores - best collected as soon as they are ripe in the spring and surface-sown immediately on a sterile compost. Keep moist and pot up as soon as the plants are large enough to handle. Very difficult[1].
Division. The plants usually spread very freely when well sited and should not really need any assistance.
Cultivation: We have no information on the needs of this species but, judging by the plant's native habitat, it is likely to require a moist to wet soil in a sunny position.
A very cold-hardy species tolerating temperatures down to about -30°c[1].
Plants have a deep and penetrating root system and can be invasive. If grown in the garden they are best kept in bounds by planting them in a large container which can be sunk into the ground[1].
Range: Temperate regions of Europe, including Britain, N. America and Asia.
Habitat: Bogs, fens, marshes and wet heaths, woods and meadows throughout Britain, ascending to 900 metres[2].
Medicinal: Horsetails have an unusual chemistry compared to most other plants[3]. They are rich in silica, contain several alkaloids (including nicotine) and various minerals[3]. Horsetail is very astringent and makes an excellent clotting agent, staunching wounds, stopping nosebleeds and reducing the coughing up of blood[4]. It helps speed the repair of damaged connective tissue, improving its strength and elasticity[4].
An infusion or decoction of the plants has been used in the treatment of constipation, stomach and bowel complaints[2].
Usage: The stems contain 10% silica and are used for scouring metal[5][6][7][8][9] and as a fine sandpaper[6][10][11][2]. They can also be used as a polish for brass, hardwood etc[8].
The infused stem is an effective fungicide against mildew, mint rust and blackspot on roses[12][13][7][10]. It also makes a good liquid feed[10].
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Seed Ripens: Late Spring-Mid Summer
Known Hazards: Large quantities of the plant can be toxic. This is because it contains the enzyme thiaminase[14], a substance that can rob the body of the vitamin B complex[15]. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is r
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Moerman, Daniel. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Chevallier, Andrew. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Dorling Kindersley, 1996.
- ↑ Grieve, Margaret. A Modern Herbal. Penguin, 1984.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Chiej, Roberto. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald, 1984.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Riotte, Louise. Carrots Love Tomatoes. Garden Way, 1978.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Sweet, Muriel. Common Edible and Useful Plants of the West. Naturegraph Co, 1962.
- ↑ Kavasch, Barrie. Native Harvests. Vintage Books, 1979.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Hatfield, Audrey. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd, 1974.
- ↑ Turner, Nancy. Plants in British Columbian Indian Technology. British Columbia Provincial Museum, 1979.
- ↑ Hylton, Josie and William Holtom. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press, 1979.
- ↑ Philbrick, Helen and Richard Gregg. Companion Plants. Watkins, 1979.
- ↑ Schofield, Janice. Discovering Wild Plants.
- ↑ Frohne, Dietrich and Hans Pfänder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Timber Press, 1984.