Field Horsetail-Equisetum arvense

This feathery-looking plant found in riparian and wetland areas is field horsetail (Equisetum arvense), in the Horsetail Family (Equisetaceae). It's a perennial with a rhizomatous stem. It has a number of medicinal properties, but care must be taken to identify it properly because other Equisetums are toxic.

For more information about field horsetail, click here.

Smooth horsetail-Equisetum laevigatum

Today we're going to introduce a plant from a new family, the Horsetail Family (Equisetaceae). There are three species in this area, and all grow near riparian or wetland areas. This one is smooth horsetail (Equisetum laevigatum), also known as smooth scouring rush. It's perennial and found throughout much of North America.

For more information about smooth horsetail, click here.