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Equisetum sylvaticum
  • Wood Horsetail

a perennial member of the Equisetum genus in the family Equisetaceae.

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Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • None
    None
    There are no functions defined for this plant. Do you know of some? Click the edit button to add them!
Light
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • partial shade
    Partial shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Unknown
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 2
    Zone 2
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Equisetum sylvaticum has 0 edible uses listed
Equisetum sylvaticum has 0 material uses listed
Equisetum sylvaticum has 0 medicinal uses listed

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]. An asparagus substitute, though it is neither very palatable nor very nutritious. Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Roots - cooked. A source of starch[4]. Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Root

Unknown use

Stem

Unknown use

Material uses

The stems can be used for scouring and polishing metal and as a fine sandpaper[5]. The stems are first bleached by repeated wetting and drying in the sun[6]. They can also be used as a polish for wooden floors and furniture[7][8].

The infused stem is an effective fungicide against mildew, mint rust and blackspot on roses[9]. It also makes a good liquid feed[10]. Used as a hair rinse it can eliminate fleas, lice and mites[3].

A light pink dye is obtained from the stem[11].

Unknown part

Dye
Fungicide
Hair care
Sandpaper
Scourer

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Horsetails have an unusual chemistry compared to most other plants[12]. They are rich in silica, contain several alkaloids (including nicotine) and various minerals[12]. The plant is astringent, diuretic and styptic[5]. The barren stems are used, they are most active when fresh but can also be dried and sometimes the ashes of the pant are used[5]. The plant is a useful diuretic when taken internally and is used in the treatment of kidney and bladder problems, internal bleeding[5][13]. A decoction applied externally will stop the bleeding of wounds and promote healing[5][13].

Unknown part

Astringent
Diuretic
Haemostatic
Kidney
Poultice
Styptic

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[14]. 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 sylvaticum. 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[14].

Plants are hardy to about -30°c[14].

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[14].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Equisetum sylvaticum. 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 sylvaticum.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Equisetum sylvaticum
Genus
Equisetum
Family
Equisetaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[4]
Medicinal uses
[12][5][13]
Material uses & Functions
[5][6][7][8][9][10][3][11]
Botanic
[15][14]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
2
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
Shade
partial shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    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.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    perennial
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    0.6 x meters
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    ?
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type

    "image:Equisetum sylvaticum 240405.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Equisetum sylvaticum 240405.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Equisetum sylvaticum 240405.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Equisetum sylvaticum 240405.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Equisetum sylvaticum 240405.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Equisetum sylvaticum 240405.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Equisetum sylvaticum 240405.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Equisetum sylvaticum 240405.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Equisetum sylvaticum 240405.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Equisetum sylvaticum 240405.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Equisetum sylvaticum 240405.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Equisetum sylvaticum 240405.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Equisetum sylvaticum 240405.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Equisetum sylvaticum 240405.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? 1.01.1 Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest. ()
    2. ? Frohne. D. and Pf?nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe ISBN 0723408394 (1984-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.2 Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books ISBN 0-449-90589-6 (1980-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.2 Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 (1984-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.45.55.6 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Komarov. V. L. Flora of the USSR. Israel Program for Scientific Translation (1968-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.1 Stuart. Rev. G. A. Chinese Materia Medica. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre ()
    9. ? 9.09.1 Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press ISBN 0-87857-262-7 (1979-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.1 Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd ISBN 0-584-10141-4 (1977-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.1 Turner. N. J. Plants in British Columbian Indian Technology. British Columbia Provincial Museum ISBN 0-7718-8117-7 (1979-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.112.2 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.113.2 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (1998-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.114.214.314.4 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    15. ? Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)

    "image:Equisetum sylvaticum 240405.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    Retrieved from "http://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Equisetum_sylvaticum&oldid=77085"
    Facts about "Equisetum sylvaticum"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyEquisetaceae +
    Belongs to genusEquisetum +
    Has binomial nameEquisetum sylvaticum +
    Has common nameWood Horsetail +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partRoot + and Stem +
    Has edible useUnknown use +
    Has hardiness zone2 +
    Has imageEquisetum sylvaticum 240405.jpg +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material useDye +, Fungicide +, Hair care +, Sandpaper + and Scourer +
    Has mature height0.6 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAstringent +, Diuretic +, Haemostatic +, Kidney +, Poultice + and Styptic +
    Has primary imageEquisetum sylvaticum 240405.jpg +
    Has search nameequisetum sylvaticum + and wood horsetail +
    Has shade tolerancePartial shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil texture preferenceSandy +, Loamy + and Clay +
    Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
    Has taxonomy nameEquisetum sylvaticum +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF edible use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF material use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF medicinal use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF propagation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF toxicity notes migratedNo +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +
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