Commonly called scouring rush or rough horsetail, the name Equisetum comes from the Latin word equus meaning “horse” and seta meaning “bristle.” Horsetail is a non-flowering perennial with dark green, bamboo-like, hollow cylindrical stems less than ½ inch in diameter. Although somewhat native to Europe, North America, and Asia, it has unfortunately become an invasive plant in several areas. Plants can adapt to a variety of growing conditions, but the preference is for full sun, wet to moist conditions, and soil that is mucky, gravelly, or sandy. Horsetail can spread aggressively, especially in locations where the soil is poorly drained. It is generally pest and disease resistant. Plants should be sited with care, however, due to their ability to escape and colonize unauthorized areas.