Dwarf Horsetail

Dwarf horsetail is a compact evergreen species with slender, jointed stems that form low clumps. It produces no flowers; fertile stems carry small spore cones, and underground rhizomes gradually extend the planting. ## Growing Conditions Plant in consistently moist or boggy soil, in sun or shade. It grows in wetland margins, shallow water, and damp sandy places. Mature height is usually about 6 inches to 1 foot; reported spread ranges from about 1 to 4 feet, so leave room for rhizomes. ## Landscape Use Use dwarf horsetail as a fine-textured groundcover around a pond edge or in a water garden. A container standing in a water tray keeps its spread within bounds, especially in small gardens. Evergreen green stems provide a low, grass-like effect through the year. ## Maintenance Keep soil moist and trim damaged stems if needed. Divide clumps to propagate or refresh a container planting, and check the rhizome edge where it grows in the ground. See [NC State Extension's profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/equisetum-scirpoides/) and the [RHS growing guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/6532/equisetum-scirpoides/details).