Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Archeophyta
Class: Spenopsida
Order: Equisetales
Family: Equisetaceae
Genus: Equisetum
The field horsetail is a widespread species and is quite abundant in some locations. From any distance, it looks like a fine-bladed grass, but is rough because of silica in the stems, hence the name shavegrass. It prefers open, even sunny, moist and loose soils where it will form extensive colonies.
This plant has been used medicinally for centuries, principally in poultices for fresh wounds to help stop bleeding. It also is taken internally by some people.
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This page was last revised on 11-10-1997.