Marsh Horsetail ?

GerryNick2 · #1 (**permalink**) 15-05-2009, 07:49 AM

I struggle a bit with Equisetum species, this one was growing along a canal bank, looks to me like Marsh Horsetail - E.palustre, ID confirmation would be appreciated.

Gerry

Tiggrx · #2 (**permalink**) 15-05-2009, 08:08 AM

I would have said it was Water Horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile)

treecreeper · #3 (**permalink**) 15-05-2009, 12:26 PM

The bare sterile stems in the background confirm it is water horsetail

Lancashire Lad · #4 (**permalink**) 15-05-2009, 12:27 PM

I agree with Tiggrx.
Rounded apex to the cone, bright green, numerous sheath teeth - combined with the location it was found, all point to Water Horsetail.

A good way to confirm would be to give the stem a gentle squeeze, and (if it is Water Horsetail) it will collapse as the walls are very thin, and the stem in effect is a very hollow tube.

Regards
Mike.

GerryNick2 · #5 (**permalink**) 15-05-2009, 03:55 PM

Thanks to you all, with the information supplied and a further search of the web I can now see that it is Water Horsetail - Equisetum fluviatile.

Regards

Gerry