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Re: [SG] Internet Message / Horsetail

Hello Bobbie B.
        Horsetail, or Scouring Rush, is Equisetum hyemale. It is called Scouring
Rush because it was tied into tight bundles and used to clean kettles and
pots. Each stem is full of silica. you can hear it when you rub the stems
together. There are several species. It is a native and shows up mostly in
water gardens today. Travels both by underground runners and by spore since
it is a fern ally. It also just happens to be seriously invasive. Once it
begins to travel it is almost impossible to get it out of the garden.
Although planting it in a bucket or tub helps to hold it back the spoors
produced will eventually disperse it to surrounding areas.
        Mine looked good with my Japanese Iris for about two years. It then
proceeded to take off under ground, come up through all the Iris, under and
behind a five foot rock wall up the back side and into the garden. Spread
into an area about 25 by 65 feet in only 5 years or so. I will be getting
that stuff out for some time. Miss a piece while digging and it comes right
back.  I would think long hard and seriously about entertaining this thug
in the garden.
        Gene Bush     Southern Indiana    Zone 6a     Munchkin Nursery
          around the woods - around the world
genebush@otherside.com     http://www.munchkinnursery.com

----------
> From: MS ROBERTA M BROOKS <ZDST49A@PRODIGY.COM>
> To: shadegardens@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
> Subject: [SG] Internet Message
> Date: Tuesday, September 15, 1998 10:54 AM
>
> Hi Gene and others
>
> Just what is Horsetail?
>
> Bobbie B in MA
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