Reed for Identification?

[jaelen]

Hello, all-
we went to Capel Manor over near Enfield on Sunday to see the gardens, and by one of the ponds in a marshy bit of ground there were these reed-type plants growing... I really like them, and was hoping to find some to go around my pond next spring.

Does anyone have any idea what sort they are?

(sorry- edited to add that the tallest were about a metre in height.)

[poschiavanus]

Giant Horsetail Equisetum telmateia seems about right.

[pressld2]

They're not reeds, they're horsetails, Equisetum sp. There are several species of these and some do grow to a metre or more. They're a prehistoric plant that goes back 250 million years and the ones that are growing today are very similar to fossils of that age.

I think they're quite attractive but they are extremely deep rooting and will regenerate from just a small fragment making them all but impossible to eradicate if they're in your garden.

Dave P.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by poschiavanus

Giant Horsetail Equisetum telmateia seems about right.

Looks more like E. fluviatile to me.

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

Looks more like E. fluviatile to me.

I agree, Water Horsetail - Equitestum fluviatile.
The most aquatic of our Horsetails, often growing right in the water.
Dort.

[jaelen]

That's great- thanks, everyone!

I will make a note of the names, because I think it's amazing- will def add that to my wish list for pond plants come Spring... it's turned a bit too cold this week to think of putting anything out there now!