Uses
Toxic parts
Large quantities of the plant can be toxic. This is because it contains the enzyme thiaminase
[1], a substance that can rob the body of the vitamin B complex
[2]. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase
[1].
The plant also contains equisetic acid - see the notes on medicinal uses for more information
[3].
Edible uses
Notes
Strobil (the fertile shoots in spring) - cooked
[4][5][6]. Used as an asparagus substitute, though it is neither palatable nor nutritious
[5]. Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
Roots - cooked
[5][6][7]. The roots contain a nutritious starch
[4]. Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
Material uses
There are no material uses listed for Equisetum fluviatile.
Horsetails have an unusual chemistry compared to most other plants
[8]. They are rich in silica, contain several alkaloids (including nicotine) and various minerals
[8]. The plant is styptic
[9]. The barren stems are used, they are most active when fresh but can also be dried and sometimes the ashes of the plant are used
[5]. A decoction applied externally will stop the bleeding of wounds and promote healing
[5].
Ecology
Ecosystem niche/layer
Ecological Functions
Nothing listed.
Forage
Nothing listed.
Shelter
Nothing listed.
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
[10].
Division. The plants usually spread very freely when well sited and should not really need any assistance.
Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Equisetum fluviatile. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.
Cultivation
Prefers a moist soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5
[10].
Plants are hardy to about -30°c[10].
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
[10].
Crops
Problems, pests & diseases
Associations & Interactions
There are no interactions listed for Equisetum fluviatile. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.
Polycultures & Guilds
There are no polycultures listed which include Equisetum fluviatile.
Descendants
Cultivars
Varieties
None listed.
Subspecies
None listed.
Full Data
This table shows all the data stored for this plant.
Taxonomy
Binomial name
Equisetum fluviatile
Imported References
Material uses & Functions
Uses
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
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"image:Eq fluviatile kz2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Eq fluviatile kz2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Eq fluviatile kz2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Eq fluviatile kz2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Eq fluviatile kz2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Eq fluviatile kz2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Eq fluviatile kz2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Eq fluviatile kz2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Eq fluviatile kz2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Eq fluviatile kz2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Eq fluviatile kz2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Eq fluviatile kz2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Eq fluviatile kz2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
References
-
? 1.01.1 Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest. ()
-
? Frohne. D. and Pf?nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe ISBN 0723408394 (1984-00-00)
-
? Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books ISBN 0-449-90589-6 (1980-00-00)
-
? 4.04.14.2 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
-
? 5.05.15.25.35.45.55.6 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
-
? 6.06.16.2 Harrington. H. D. Edible Native Plants of the Rocky Mountains. University of New Mexico Press ISBN 0-8623-0343-9 (1967-00-00)
-
? 7.07.1 Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing (1976-00-00)
-
? 8.08.18.2 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
-
? 9.09.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
-
? 10.010.110.210.3 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
-
? Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)
"image:Eq fluviatile kz2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.