Scouring Rush

Equisetum hyemale L.

Equisetaceae - Horsetail Family

▲ in urban flower bed in Louisville, KY

▲ plants in moist field in Nebraska

▲ emerging plants in southeast Missouri

Scouringrush :

·         Has bright green, mostly unbranched stems growing 6-36 inches tall or more, with dark bands between segments of the stem

·         Stems are evergreen

·         Found almost exclusively in moist or wet soils along streams, ponds, roadsides

·         Contains neurotoxins that are poisonous to grazing animals—usually not consumed, unless in hay