Equisetum hyemale Dutch rush (Equisetaceae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

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].

General Uses: The stems are very rich in silica[4]. They are used for scouring and polishing metal[1, 4, 46, 61, 99] and as a fine sandpaper[54, 99]. The stems are first bleached by repeated wetting and drying in the sun[74]. They can also be used as a polish for wooden floors and furniture[46, 178]. The infused stem is an effective fungicide against mildew, mint rust and blackspot on roses[14]. It also makes a good liquid feed[54]. Used as a hair rinse it can eliminate fleas, lice and mites[213, 257]. A light pink dye is obtained from the stem[99]. The hollow stems have been used as whistles[257]. Another report says that the stem joints are pulled apart and used by children to produce a whistling sound[257].

For further Equisetum hyemale gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

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'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future