Content
- You will recognize field horsetail on these characteristics
- What does field horsetail look like?
- Characteristics for determining field horsetail
- Where does a horsetail grow?
- Plant field horsetail in the garden
- Tips
The field horsetail looks like a small coniferous wood
You will recognize field horsetail on these characteristics
To distinguish the non-toxic field horsetail, also called horsetail, from poisonous horsetail species is not easy. Especially with the marsh horsetail there is a great likelihood of confusion. Use these characteristics to determine field horsetail.
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At first glance, horsetail looks a bit like a coniferous tree, albeit much smaller, of course.
At first, the brown spore shoots appear in spring, on which a spur ear forms at the top. It carries the spores, over which the plant multiplies.
The spore shoots will retire again in May. Then the green shoots appear with the typical leaf whiskers, which can reach a height of 30 to 50 centimeters.
Characteristics for determining field horsetail
To clearly identify the horsetail and eliminate the risk of confusion with marsh horsetail, pick a stalk and halve it. This allows you to see the cross section well.
An important feature is the width of the stem. The stalks of horsetail, in contrast to the marsh horsetail, are wider than three millimeters.
Where does a horsetail grow?
As the name implies, field horsetail is common on fields. It grows wherever the earth is heavily compressed.
Horsetail is a site indicator that indicates waterlogging. Except for fields, it grows on field grasses, on wet meadows and in gardens with very solid soil. He also likes to spread in the lawn.
Plant field horsetail in the garden
One way to avoid confusion with poisonous species is planting horsetail in the garden - if it does not exist without it.
Since the plant spreads very strong and is hard to fight, you should pull it in the pot. Then the horsetail can not multiply over the rhizomes. The spore ears should be cut as equal as possible, so that the horsetail can not spread through spores.
Tips
If you are not sure whether you really have field horsetail in front of you, then you better play it safe. In a confusion with marsh horsetail poisoning symptoms threaten. Field horsetail can be purchased as an extract or dried cabbage in the garden shop or pharmacy.