Equisetum arvense is a perennial plant, so it can be harvested throughout the year. However, the best time to harvest the fruits of this species is in the late summer and early fall months, such as August, September, and October.
common horsetail
Equisetum arvense
Common Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a tall, slender perennial that is native to North America and Europe. Its tall, hollow, jointed stems are covered with thin green sheaths that make them appear "hairy". The plant can reach up to 3 feet in height and produces cone-like structures on terminal branches in spring. It is noted for its ability to spread rapidly via its tough creeping rhizomes and can form large colonies. Common horsetail can tolerate many soil types but does best in moist conditions. It is a useful plant for erosion control and can help to stabilize areas prone to soil loss.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Division
Hardiness Zone:
2
Sun:
Deep shade, Filtered shade, Full sun
Fruits:
Fruits Ready In Autumn
Growth Rate:
High
Poisonous To Pets:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Invasive:
Yes
watering
Common horsetail (Equisetum arvense) grows best in moist but well-drained soil, and requires regular watering as long as you keep the soil consistently moist. It is best to water your common horsetail in the morning once every 2-3 days depending on the weather, soil type, and conditions. If the weather is particularly dry, water more often. For container plants, check soil moisture every day and water when the top inch of the soil is dry. If the leaves start to turn yellow, immediately decrease the amount of water as this is a sign of overwatering.
sunlight
Common horsetail (Equisetum arvense) prefers full sunlight and should be placed in an area that receives 6-8 hours of sunlight every day. The best time for positioning your horsetail plant in the sun is in the early morning and late afternoon when the sun is not too hot or intense. In the summer months, it is important to keep the plant out of direct sunlight during the middle of the day to prevent any leaf burn or scorching.
pruning
Common horsetail (Equisetum arvense) should be pruned twice a year. Pruning can happen in either the spring or the fall, but the best time depends on your climate and the growth habit of the plant. In general, pruning should be done once in March and then again in September. Pruning of young plants should be limited and focus on removing dead or damaged growth. Established plants should be pruned more heavily, with dead or damaged growth removed and excess shoots or branches thinned. Pruning can significantly improve the overall growth and look of the plant, but should always be done with care.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit
Harvest Fruit
Equisetum arvense is a perennial plant, so it can be harvested throughout the year. However, the best time to harvest the fruits of this species is in the late summer and early fall months, such as August, September, and October.
