Equisetum spp.
Horsetail
Family: Equisetaceae
Origin: Various
Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) status
- National Pest Plant Accord Species
- Whole region — Sustained control
General description
Erect perennial fern allies. Rhizomes are extensive to < 1 m deep and tuberous. Stems are rush-like, erect and jointed. Spore cones are borne on the ends of fertile stems in spring.
What you need to know
To help protect our environment:
- You must not breed, distribute, release or sell horsetail. As horsetail is a National Pest Plant Accord species, these restrictions apply within the Auckland region and across the whole of New Zealand.
- You must not plant horsetail within the Auckland region, unless you are transferring an existing plant on your land to another location within the boundaries of the same property.
- You must destroy any horsetail on land that you occupy if it has been planted in breach of the above rules and you are directed to do so by an authorised person.
Habitats
Water body margins, wetlands, drains, croplands, roadsides, bare land.
Dispersal
Spores seldom produced in NZ. Vegetative spread from rhizomes, stem fragments and tubers, dispersed by water and soil movement. Human-mediated dispersal through contamination of machinery and deliberate plantings.
Impact on environment
Highly competitive in wetland and riparian margins, excludes other vegetation and alters nutrient cycles. Toxic to livestock.
Control
Site Management
Follow up treated areas 3 times per year. Encourage natural regeneration of native plants or replant treated areas where possible after 2-3 treatments to establish dense ground cover and minimise reinvasion.
Recommended approaches
Physical control
Method: Dig out.
Plant parts requiring disposal: All parts.
Disposal options: Remove to greenwaste or landfill.
Biocontrol
Biocontrol is currently not available for this species.
Community agrichemical control recommendations
No qualifications: Cut stump and paste freshly cut base of stems with metsulfuron gel. Remove stems to greenwaste or landfill.
Certified Handler/Experienced agrichemical user: Foliar spray with 5g metsulfuron-methyl per 10L of water and 20ml penetrant.
;Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.