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Equisetum telmateia
Giant horsetail
(1 Page of 5)

 
The Equisetum telmateia plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Equisetaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Giant horsetail. Some home gardeners know the variety as E. maximum. auct.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 
Latin Name:  Equisetum telmateia
Common Name:  Giant horsetail
Family:  Equisetaceae
Author:  Ehrh.
 
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:  2   Mature Width:  
 
Habitat:  Damp shady banks etc, to 350 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, 257] and as a fine sandpaper[54, 99, 257]. 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]. The black roots have ben used for imbrication on coiled baskets[257].

For further Equisetum telmateia 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

 


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