Equisetum scirpoides aka Dwarf Horsetail

Equisetum scirpoides, also known as the dwarf scouring rush or dwarf horsetail, is the smallest species in the Equisetum genus. It has a circumpolar distribution and forms compact and dense clumps, reaching a maximum height of about 30 cm. The stems are green, unbranched, and about 1 mm thick with six ribs. The leaves are reduced to a black sheath around the stem and the nodes occur at approximately 1 – 3 cm intervals. The generative shoots have small cones that die after sowing the spores. The corms are thin, yellow, and brown, while the roots are fine, black, and densely surpass the ground. This species thrives in muddy areas at depths of 0 to 3 cm. Equisetum scirpoides reproduces primarily through vegetative division and is hardy and semi-evergreen. It is a popular decorative plant found in garden ponds, ornamental gardens, and various locations worldwide. French botanist André Michaux first discovered and described E. scirpoides, and further studies were conducted by American botanist Oliver Atkins Farwell. This tufted, evergreen perennial forms clumps of slender, dark green, jointed, reed-like stems that grow up to 20 cm tall. It is best grown in a container to prevent unwanted spreading. Along shorelines and shallow water, the dwarf horsetail adds a nice shorter vertical accent to the horizontal edges. Despite lacking true leaves or flowers, it thrives in dense dark green colonies and reaches a height of less than 1 foot.