Content
- Field horsetail is not poisonous
- Field horsetail is often mistaken for marsh horsetail
- Field horsetail can be used in many ways
- Tips
Field horsetail is safe for humans and animals
Field horsetail is not poisonous
Field horsetail, also called horsetail, is the gardener's horror because it spreads out in gardens and can hardly be removed. The plant is not poisonous. However, horsetail is often confused with the marsh horsetail, which is especially poisonous to animals.
Previous article Field horsetail can hardly be effectively combat Next article You will recognize field horsetail on these characteristicsField horsetail is often mistaken for marsh horsetail
Both horsetail varieties look very similar. Therefore, you should be careful when dealing with horsetail. Marsh horsetail is poisonous in contrast to the field horsetail and represents a real danger especially for animals.
There are a few distinguishing features that can help you identify whether it is marsh horsetail or horsetail:
Field horsetail has brown sprouts on which the spores grow. Green horsetail with cones is the poisonous marsh horsetail. The stalks of the field horsetail are wider than three millimeters, while marsh horsetail bears narrower ears that carry lateral twigs and have a greenish color.
Field horsetail can be used in many ways
As horsetail is not poisonous, it can be used both in medicine and for personal hygiene. Leaves and stems can even be cooked.
The root tubers of the field horsetail can be harvested from September to March and eaten raw or cooked.
However, if you are not sure whether you have a non-toxic field horsetail or poisonous marsh horsetail, you should keep your hands off it.
Tips
Ackerschachtelhalm is one of the most robust plants that come here in Germany. Even on salted or weed-treated areas, the horsetail grows easily.