Horsetail

Botanical name: Equisetum arvense

General Information: Horsetail, sometimes referred to as mare’s tail or puzzle grass is a deep rooted perennial weed. It spreads aggressively via underground runners (rhizomes) and produces dense ‘fir like’ strands of foliage, which appear during the summer time in the UK.

It’s frequently found in flower beds, paving and paths, borders and occasionally lawns. It’s also a difficult weed to control with chemicals and is likely to return in following years.

Identification: Horsetail is easily identified as it produces upright shoots reminiscent of fir tree needles.