Wood Horsetail
Equisetum sylvaticumfam. Sphenophyllaceae
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Pl. 1822 — Equisetum sylvaticum
Equisetum sylvaticumEquisetum sylvaticumEquisetum sylvaticumEquisetum sylvaticumEquisetum sylvaticumEquisetum sylvaticumEquisetum sylvaticumEquisetum sylvaticumEquisetum sylvaticumEquisetum sylvaticumEquisetum sylvaticumEquisetum sylvaticumEquisetum sylvaticumEquisetum sylvaticum
IOverview
Overview
Wood Horsetail (Equisetum sylvaticum) is a perennial herb found in various regions across the Northern Hemisphere, including Alaska, Albania, and parts of Europe and Asia. This plant thrives in moist environments with light to medium soil and can grow up to 0.6 meters tall. Known for its edible and medicinal properties, it has been utilized by humans for centuries. The root, shoots, and stems are all edible, making Wood Horsetail a valuable resource in many areas of its native range. Its distinctive features include hollow, jointed stems that resemble those of horsetails but with a lighter, more delicate structure compared to some other species.
Quick answers
What is Wood Horsetail?
Wood Horsetail (Equisetum sylvaticum) is a perennial herb found in various regions across the Northern Hemisphere, including Alaska, Albania, and parts of Europe and Asia. This plant thrives in moist environments with light to medium soil and can grow up to 0.
What is Wood Horsetail used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Wood Horsetail
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Wood Horsetail appears in herbal sources around after-meal comfort traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Wood Horsetail support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Wood Horsetail thrives in moist conditions and prefers light to heavy soils with a pH between 4 and 6.5. It is hardy in temperate regions and can be found across various continents. This perennial grows up to 0.6 meters tall and requires partial shade to full sun. For best results, plant the root, shoots, or stems in well-drained soil that remains consistently moist. Skip any specific product recommendations as they are not provided.
Light
4/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
4–6.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Wood Horsetail for the first time
8steps
Start with Wood Horsetail as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A young plant or seeds, a pot or garden bed, and basic gardening tools.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 4 and 6.5, and prepare your garden bed or pot accordingly.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants directly into the garden or start seeds indoors in small pots before moving them outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist during this period, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any dead or yellowing stems in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poorly draining soil, and not providing enough light are common issues.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:RootShootsStem
Edible uses: The wood horsetail's shoots and stems are edible, often harvested in spring when they are young and tender. They can be eaten raw or cooked. Typically, the plant is prepared by steaming or boiling to make it more palatable. The roots are also sometimes consumed but require thorough cooking due to their tough texture.
Other uses:DyeantifungalHairSandpaperScourerDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe14 regions
native (14)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIcelandRussiaUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)China
Americas2 regions
native (2)GreenlandUnited States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Altay, Amur, Baltic States, British Columbia, Buryatiya, Chita, Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, Delaware, Føroyar, Idaho
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Sphenophyllaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Sphenophyllaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 18228934-ab6b-4e10-8d35-d7eecf658184
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