Equisetum variegatum
| Equisetum variegatum | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 2 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 2' |
| Width: | 3' |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Equisetum variegatum (common name: variegated 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: Prefers a moist but well-drained fertile soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5[1][2].
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: Arctic and temperate regions of Europe, including Britain, N. America, central and northern Asia.
Habitat: Dunes, river banks, wet ground on mountains etc, to 480 metres[3].
Medicinal: Horsetails have an unusual chemistry compared to most other plants[2]. They are rich in silica, contain several alkaloids (including nicotine) and various minerals[2]. 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].
The plant has been used in the treatment of sore eyes[5].
Usage: The stems contain 10% silica and are used for scouring metal[6][7][8][9][10] and as a fine sandpaper[7][11][12][5]. They can also be used as a polish for brass, hardwood etc[9].
The infused stem is an effective fungicide against mildew, mint rust and blackspot on roses[13][14][8][11]. It also makes a good liquid feed[11].
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Seed Ripens: Mid Summer-Late Summer
Known Hazards: Large quantities of the plant can be toxic. This is because it contains the enzyme thiaminase[15], a substance that can rob the body of the vitamin B complex[16]. 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 1.3 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
- ↑ Clapham, Arthur and Tom Tootin, Edmund Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press, 1962.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Chevallier, Andrew. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Dorling Kindersley, 1996.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Moerman, Daniel. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998.
- ↑ Grieve, Margaret. A Modern Herbal. Penguin, 1984.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Chiej, Roberto. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald, 1984.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Riotte, Louise. Carrots Love Tomatoes. Garden Way, 1978.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Sweet, Muriel. Common Edible and Useful Plants of the West. Naturegraph Co, 1962.
- ↑ Kavasch, Barrie. Native Harvests. Vintage Books, 1979.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 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.