Horsetail Reed

Plant Type: perennial
Plant Height: 2-4 feet
Spread: 1-6 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Sun Exposure: Full Sun or Partial Shade

Description:
Horsetail Reed, scientifically known as Equisetum hyemale, is a unique and low-maintenance perennial plant that can thrive in the Arizona landscape, particularly in regions with a hot and arid climate. Known for its striking vertical stems, feathery appearance, and adaptability, Horsetail Reed adds a touch of elegance, resilience, and water-wise landscaping to gardens and outdoor spaces.

One of the most distinctive features of Horsetail Reed is its vertical, hollow stems that resemble the tails of horsetails, giving the plant its common name. These stems are typically green and segmented, creating a visually captivating and linear display. The fine-textured foliage adds to the plant's visual appeal. Horsetail Reed does not produce traditional leaves but has tiny scale-like structures on its stems.

Horsetail Reed typically reaches heights of 2 to 4 feet, creating an upright and architectural form. It is well-suited to Arizona's hot and arid climate, thriving in full sun to part shade and requiring well-drained soil. This plant is known for its adaptability to various moisture conditions, making it an ideal choice for water-wise landscaping and xeriscaping.

Maintenance of Horsetail Reed is relatively low, as it requires little attention once established. Regular watering is not necessary, as the plant can tolerate both moist and dry soil conditions. Occasional pruning may be required to control its spread, as Horsetail Reed can be invasive in some settings.

The unique appearance and fine-textured foliage of Horsetail Reed make it a captivating addition to gardens and landscape design. Its vertical stems, feathery appearance, and adaptability make it a valuable addition to gardens, adding both visual elegance and a sense of natural charm to the landscape.

In summary, Horsetail Reed is a distinctive and adaptable choice for Arizona landscapes, especially in regions with a hot and arid climate. Its vertical stems, feathery foliage, and low-maintenance nature make it a valuable addition to gardens, adding both visual allure and a touch of natural authenticity to the landscape.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Horsetail Reed

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or slightly acidic soil
• Spacing: Space plants 1.5-2 feet apart for optimal growth and dense coverage
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Horsetail Reed grows upright and does not require staking

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 2-3 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Horsetail Reed is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant for deep watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for deep watering
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks