Alphabetical Plant Listing

Equisetum scirpoides (Dwarf Scouring Rush)

Dwarf Scouring Rush, Dwarf Horsetail Rush, Dwarf Horsetail, Miniature Scouring Rush, Small Horsetail


Equisetum scirpoides (Dwarf Scouring Rush) is a spreading, evergreen perennial boasting thin, wiry stems that bend, coil or twist into a contorted tangle. The leaves are reduced to a sheath that surrounds the stem and there is black banding at the nodes. This non-flowering, seedless plant reproduces by spores (like the ferns), which are contained in pine cone-like fruiting heads, 1/4 in. long (0.6 cm), at the tips of the fertile stems. Adding a charming short vertical accent to shoreline edges, Dwarf Scouring Rush makes a good and dainty groundcover for wet sites.

  • Grows up to 6-10 in. tall (15-25 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 cm). This plant will spread indefinitely by creeping rhizomes to form a colony if not restrained.
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade in fertile, moist to wet soils. While it thrives in consistently moist garden soil, it can also be planted in standing water to 2 in. deep (5 cm). Tolerates full shade.
  • This plant is highly versatile. It may be grown at the edge of a pond or water garden, in boggy areas, in shallow water. Great for erosion control and naturalization. Good for containers too.
  • Requires little care, is virtually disease-free, pest-free and provides year-round interest
  • Remove any dead or damaged stems to improve appearance.
  • Propagate by division in spring.
  • Native to northern Eurasia and America.

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Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 10
Plant Type Aquatic Plants, Ornamental Grasses, Perennials
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6" – 10" (15cm – 25cm)
Spread 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm)
Spacing 36" – 48" (90cm – 120cm)
Water Needs High
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Alaska, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Montana, Wyoming
Tolerance Wet Soil
Garden Uses Bog Gardens, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens

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By Carnat Joel, Sonke Haas, Doug McGrady, Flickr

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 10
Plant Type Aquatic Plants, Ornamental Grasses, Perennials
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6" – 10" (15cm – 25cm)
Spread 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm)
Spacing 36" – 48" (90cm – 120cm)
Water Needs High
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Alaska, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Montana, Wyoming
Tolerance Wet Soil
Garden Uses Bog Gardens, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens

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