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Story: Ferns and lycophytes

Common horsetail

Common horsetail

Common or field horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a pest weed. It has a localised distribution in New Zealand, usually found on damp ground such as river banks and drain courses. The plant is easily recognised by its jointed, hollow stems, from which grow whorls of branches. In spring, horsetail produces brown stems topped with a cone of spores. Field horsetail is listed on the National Pest Plant Accord and cannot be sold, propagated or distributed in New Zealand.

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by E. D. Hatch

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How to cite this page

Patrick Brownsey, Ferns and lycophytes – Distribution, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/10907/common-horsetail (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Patrick Brownsey, published 1 March 2009.

Comments

tony searles
09 July 2017
This is also a herb with the medicinal abilities to reduce several illnesses . IT has silica a binder that can filter aluminium etc,. https://youtu.be/fWsVWuxdITk
Waynos
03 September 2015
Interestingly, the dried and chopped stalks make for a healthy tea. Cystitis, prostate issues, loose teeth from gingival issues no more!! High in silica and helps our bodies use calcium properly. I can't remember the other stuff as the list was long.. Search-engine it! Doesn't seem like nearly as much of a pest plant now does it. After paying twelve bucks for a 50 gram bag of the stuff from a herbal dispensary I am more likely to hunt for it now that I know what it looks like and where I'm likely to find it. Awesome, thanks!