Equisetum arvense

Overview

Kew accepts Equisetum arvense in Equisetaceae as a rhizomatous geophyte of subarctic and temperate northern regions, including Greece. Its name dates to a 1753 publication, which is a naming record rather than an origin date.

The US Forest Service review describes unbranched fertile shoots bearing spore cones, which die after releasing spores, alongside green branched sterile shoots. Small scale leaves form whorls at jointed nodes.

Spores develop into small separate gametophytes whose swimming sperm need water to reach eggs, and humidity-responsive elaters help spores move and cluster. Creeping rhizomes and tubers support vegetative spread, and deep rhizomes survived fires in the North American settings reviewed.

Origins & earliest records

Naming history: Species Plantarum, p. 1061 (1753), as recorded by Kew. Evolutionary origin not established by these sources.

Evidence & interpretation

Kew Plants of the World Online account; US Forest Service Fire Effects Information System review.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   Equisetum arvense, field horsetail

   · n.d.

   Selected bibliography; botanical description, regeneration and fire effects.

Family, evolution & connections

Taxonomic classification

A hierarchy of classified groups, not a chain of direct ancestors.

Source note: Accepted name and family placement follow Kew.

1. FamilyEquisetaceae
2. SpeciesEquisetum arvense

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Taxonomic databaseEquisetum arvense L. | Plants of the World OnlineResearch access: 2026-10-07
2. Government species reviewEquisetum arvense, field horsetailResearch access: 2026-10-07

Image credits

A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.