EQUISETUM HYEMALE / SCOURING RUSH

EQUISETUM HYEMALE / SCouring RUSH

A Native, Architectural Perennial with Unique Vertical Form

Equisetum hyemale, commonly known as Scouring Rush, is a native perennial admired for its tall, jointed, bamboo-like green stems that create dramatic vertical accents in gardens. Thriving in full sun to partial shade with moist to wet soils, Scouring Rush adds architectural interest, texture, and ecological value to ponds, rain gardens, and naturalized landscapes. Its dense, upright form is ideal for erosion control and wet site plantings.

Why Choose Scouring Rush?

Architectural & Unique: Bold, upright stems create a striking visual feature.
Wetland Tolerant: Thrives in moist to wet soils, perfect for ponds, streams, and rain gardens.
Low Maintenance: Hardy, long-lived, and adaptable once established.
Erosion Control: Dense root system helps stabilize soil on wet slopes and shorelines.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Bright green, jointed stems; leaves are reduced to sheaths.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 3–5 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 3–9.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil Requirements: Moist to wet soils; tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 3–5 feet tall, 1–2 feet wide.
Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming perennial with jointed stems.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9.
Seasonal Interest: Evergreen-like stems provide year-round structural interest.

Ideal Uses:

Wetlands & Rain Gardens: Perfect for pond edges, streams, and moist naturalized landscapes.
Borders & Naturalized Plantings: Adds vertical texture and architectural interest.
Erosion Control & Shorelines: Helps stabilize soil on slopes and banks.
Low-Maintenance Landscapes: Hardy, resilient, and long-lived once established.

Scouring Rush is a striking and ecologically valuable native perennial. Its upright stems, wetland tolerance, and architectural form make it an excellent choice for water gardens, naturalized landscapes, and low-maintenance wet areas.