How to Landscape With Horsetail Rushes

Horsetail rushes (Equisetum hyemale) are a perennial plant that grows vertically in sandy soils. Horsetail rushes have no leaves, only small cones that hold the seeds of this fast-growing plant. Horsetail varieties like the giant or field horsetail grow to varying lengths from 1 to 4 feet. This landscaping plant is frequently used to create borders near aquatic features like ponds, creeks or lakes. Horsetails spread quickly and can fill a bare location in just a few months. However, cattle owners should not use horsetails around animal pens as the rushes have some toxicity.

Sandy soil
Barrier plants
Hand shovel
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Walk your property and choose a location for planting the rushes. Use horsetails as a natural barrier between a water source and your home. Horsetails prefer growing in sandy soil close to wet areas, but not in them. Select a location that has any level of light, full, partial or shady.
- 2
  Line a small portion of a koi pond or creek with the horsetails. Plant a barrier plant, like pampas grass, between your lawn and the horsetails to inhibit horsetail growth. Dig a small hole, 2-inches deep for each horsetail rush.
- 3
  Trim back horsetail to a height of 6-inches, when growth begins to encroach past the landscaping barrier. Do this once in spring and then summer to control growth. Collect all cones from the ground after pruning to avoid growing more horsetails.

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