Equisetum hyemale Dutch rush (Equisetaceae)

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Equisetum hyemale
Dutch rush
(1 Page of 5)

The Equisetum hyemale plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Equisetaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Dutch rush.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Equisetum hyemale
Common Name:  Dutch rush
Family:  Equisetaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  Large quantities of the plant can be toxic. This is because it contains the enzyme thiaminase[172], a substance that can rob the body of the vitamin B complex[65]. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase[172]. The plant also contains equisetic acid - see the notes on medicinal uses for more information[213].

Mature Height:  1   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Shady streambanks etc, to 500 metres[17].

Edible Uses: Strobil (the fertile shoots in spring) - cooked[177]. An asparagus substitute. Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Roots - dried and then cooked[257]. A source of starch[177]. Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. A further report says that the peeled stems, base of the plant, root and tubers were eaten raw by the N. American Indians, the report went on to say that this may be inadvisable[85].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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