Perennial
Horsetail
Equisetum hyemale
Traits
Varieties We Carry
StandardEquisetum hyemale
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$6.95
3 galFrom$19.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Apr 20.
LightFull Sun, Part Shade
WaterHigh
Mature size2-5 feet × spreading (contain with barrier or pot)
About Horsetail
Horsetail (Equisetum hyemale) is an ancient, hollow-stemmed perennial with striking jointed, dark green stems banded in black and white — a bold architectural accent for water gardens and pond edges. A Florida native (var. affine) hardy in Zone 9b, it thrives in wet to boggy conditions but spreads aggressively and must be contained. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Non-flowering
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Loam, Clay, Wet
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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F
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Higher water demand in summer heat.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Horsetail tolerates full sun to partial shade. In NE Florida, plant at pond edges, in water features, or in consistently moist areas. Full sun is fine with adequate moisture; shade is tolerated but growth is slower.
Water
Horsetail thrives with consistently wet to boggy conditions and is ideal for water garden edges, rain gardens, or retention pond margins in NE Florida. Keep soil wet or plant directly in standing water up to a few inches deep; do not allow to dry out.
Soil & Fertilizer
Grows in loamy, clay, or perpetually wet soils. Fertilization is not needed. IMPORTANT: Horsetail spreads aggressively via underground rhizomes — always plant in a submerged container or install a deep root barrier to prevent it from overtaking the landscape.
Similar needs
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Celestial Lily
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Blue Mistflower
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Bacopa
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Banana
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Common questions
Is Horsetail a good plant for St. Augustine?
Horsetail is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with low salt tolerance, reaching 2-5 feet × spreading (contain with barrier or pot).
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.