| Latin Name: | Equisetum hyemale |
| Common Name: | Dutch rush |
| Family: | Equisetaceae |
| Synonyms: | |
| Known Hazards: | Large quantities of the plant can be toxic. This is because it contains the enzyme thiaminase[172], a substance that can rob the body of the vitamin B complex[65]. 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[172].
The plant also contains equisetic acid - see the notes on medicinal uses for more information[213]. |
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Author: L.
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| Habit: Perennial |
| Habitat: Shady streambanks. |
| Height: 1.0 Width: |
Cultivation Details:
Prefers a moist soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5[200].
Plants are hardy to about -30°c[200].
The stems of this species were once exported to Britain in quantity from Holland so that they could be used as an abrasive for cleaningpots and pans[238].
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[200].
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Propagation Notes:
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[200].
Division. The plants usually spread very freely when well sited and should not really need any assistance.
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