Equisetum

Common Names: Equisetum, Horsetail, Snake Grass, Scouring Rush, Puzzle Grass.

Botanical names: Equisetum, (ek-wi-SEE-tum)

Availability: Year round

Vase life: 7 - 14 days

Storage temperatures: 36 - 38 degrees Fahrenheit

Ethylene Sensitive: No

Description: Long, slender, dramatically segmented stems. The leaves are tiny scales found at the joints. A cone shaped spike bearing spores is formed on the top mature stems.

Color: Dark green

Botanical facts: The name is from the Latin words equis (horse) and seta (bristle). Equisetum is considered a "living Fossil", reproducing by spores rather than seeds.

Design notes: A wonderful line material. Easily manipulated into abstract shapes. A very popular material in contemporary design.

Purchasing hints: Purchase supple, dark green stems showing no visible damage.

Conditioning: Cut with a sharp knife. Hydrate in a solution of water and commercial floral food for two hours before storage or usage.

Additional notes: Equisetum dries easily and is a good but more fragile dried material. The stems of equisetum contain high concentrations of silica and were once used to scour and clean various surfaces – hence the name scouring rush.