horsetail

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• field horsetail
• Common Horsetail
• mares tail
• scouring rush

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Equisetum boreale
• Equisetum arvense f. caespitosum
• Equisetum calderi
• Equisetum saxicola
• Equisetum arvense f. diffusum
• Equisetum arvense f. microstachyum
• Equisetum arvense f. nanum
• Equisetum arvense f. nemorosum
• Equisetum arvense f. proliferum
• Equisetum arvense f. pseudoalpestre
• Equisetum arvense f. pseudonemorosum
• Equisetum arvense f. pseudovarium
• Equisetum arvense var. nudum
• Equisetum arvense var. proliferum
• Equisetum arvense f. ramulosum
• Equisetum arvense monstr. proliferum
• Equisetum arvense subsp. ramulosum
• Equisetum arvense var. alpestre
• Equisetum arvense var. arcticum
• Equisetum arvense var. campestre
• Equisetum arvense var. diffusum
• Equisetum arvense var. granulatum
• Equisetum arvense var. nanum
• Equisetum arvense var. nemorosum
• Equisetum pratense var. ramulosum
• Equisetum arvense var. triangulare
• Equisetum arvense subsp. riparium
• Equisetum arvense var. serotinum
• Equisetum arvense var. elongatum
• Equisetum arcticum
• Equisetum riparium
• Equisetum arvense var. frondescens
• Presla arvensis
• Equisetum campestre
• Equisetum arvense subvar. serotinum
• Equisetum nemorosum
• Equisetum pratense f. ramulosum
• Equisetum arvense var. fagetinum
• Equisetum arvense var. subalpinum
• Equisetum arvense var. elatum
• Equisetum arvense var. pseudosilvaticum
• Equisetum arvense var. varium
• Equisetum arvense var. arenicola
• Equisetum arvense f. agreste
• Equisetum arvense var. agreste
• Equisetum arvense subsp. agreste
• Equisetum duffortianum
• Equisetum arvense var. duffortianum
• Equisetum arvense var. irriguum
• Allostelites arvensis
• Equisetum arvense f. campestre
• Equisetum alpestre
• Equisetum arvense subsp. alpestre
• Equisetum arvense f. alpestre
• Equisetum arvense f. boreale
• Equisetum arvense var. boreale
• Equisetum arvense subsp. boreale
• Equisetum arvense f. riparium
• Equisetum arvense var. riparium
• Equisetum arvense var. erectum
• Equisetum arvense var. prostratum
• Equisetum arvense var. decumbens
• Equisetum arvense var. serotinum
• Equisetum arvense var. ramosissimum
• Equisetum arvense var. coaetaneum
• Equisetum arvense var. robustum
• Equisetum arvense var. intermedium
• Equisetum arvense f. arcticum
• Equisetum arvense f. atratidens

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the subclass Equisetidae and the order Equisetales, falling under the family Equisetaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Equisetum, specifically the species Equisetum arvense.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide distribution across the northern reaches of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence is well-documented throughout Denmark and Finland. It can also be found inhabiting the rugged landscapes of the Faroe Islands, known as Føroyar. Furthermore, the species is commonly distributed across the islands of Great Britain. Finally, its geographical range extends to the unique volcanic environments of Iceland.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Equisetum arvense is defined by its ability to colonize a variety of environments, most notably thriving in crop fields, meadows, and sandy terrains. This species exhibits a specific altitudinal distribution, occupying an elevational range that spans from a minimum of 1300 m AMSL to a maximum of 2300 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

2300 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1300 m AMSL

Habitat :

crop fields, meadows, sand

Genetics

The genetics of Equisetum arvense are characterized by a stable chromosomal constitution, primarily functioning within a diploid framework. The organism exhibits a ploidy level of 2, indicating that its somatic cells contain two complete sets of chromosomes. This diploid state is a fundamental aspect of its reproductive biology, facilitating consistent genetic inheritance during both its vegetative propagation via rhizomes and its sexual reproduction through spores. The genomic stability associated with this ploidy level supports the plant's ability to thrive in diverse ecological niches while maintaining the specific genetic blueprints required for its characteristic morphological development and secondary metabolite production.

Ploidy :

2

Life history

The life history of Equisetum arvense is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist across multiple growing seasons through a robust underground system. As a geophyte, it relies on specialized subterranean organs to survive unfavorable conditions, which also categorizes its biological strategy under the broader classification of a cryptophyte. This plant exhibits a deciduous nature, shedding its above-ground structures during dormant periods before regenerating from its hidden storage organs.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Equisetum arvense is characterized by a non-woody, herbaceous growth form, specifically categorized as a forb. This plant is a self-supporting species that does not function as a climber or a parasite, maintaining an independent existence within its habitat. It is a terrestrial plant rather than an aquatic or epiphytic one, growing directly in the soil. In terms of stature, it exhibits significant variation in height, with individual specimens ranging from a minimum of 0.05 m to a maximum of 0.8 m, maintaining an average plant height of approximately 0.2975 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.8 m

Plant height mean:

0.2975 m

Plant height min:

0.05 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Equisetum arvense is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and environmental adaptation. The plant exhibits a non-carnivorous nutritional strategy, relying on autotrophic methods for energy acquisition. Its foliar morphology consists of linear leaf forms with entire margins, notably lacking both thorns and spines. The leaves are relatively small, with a mean leaf size of 1.67 cm² and a leaf length that typically ranges from a minimum of 0.5 cm to a maximum of 0.8 cm. Furthermore, the plant maintains a mean Specific Leaf Area (SLA) of 103.54 cm²/g, reflecting its structural leaf density and resource allocation efficiency.

Carnivory :

non-carnivorous

Leaf form :

linear

Leaf length max:

0.8 cm

Leaf length min:

0.5 cm

Leaf margin :

entire

Leaf size mean:

1.67 cm²

Leaf spines :

no

Leaf thorns :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) mean:

103.54 cm²/g

Reproduction

The reproduction of Equisetum arvense is characterized by complex mechanisms involving specific environmental interactions. The flowering period typically commences in March and concludes in May, though the timing can be variable depending on seasonal conditions. As a plant that utilizes abiotic pollination syndromes, its reproductive process is driven by non-living agents, specifically relying on a combination of wind and water for successful pollination. Unlike many flowering plants, it does not produce standard fruits such as berries or capsules; instead, its reproductive structures fall into the "other" category, consistent with its pteridophyte nature. Following pollination, the dispersal of its reproductive units is primarily anemochorous, meaning they are dispersed by the wind. Notably, according to the specified traits, asexual reproduction is marked as absent in this particular context.

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Flowering time :

Mar

Flowering time :

May

Fruit type :

other

Pollination syndrome :

water

Pollination syndrome :

wind

Pollination syndrome :

abiotic

Reproduction asexual :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Equisetum arvense has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Preventive nutrition and food science

Chemicals

Equisetum arvense has 148 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Isoquercitrin, CU, ACONITIC ACID, BETA-SITOSTEROL.

Flavonoids

1. Dr. Duke
2. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
3. Preventive nutrition and food science
4. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences
5. Die Pharmazie

Isoquercitrin

1. Dr. Duke
2. Reproduction, nutrition, development
3. Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences
4. Planta medica

CU

1. Journal of analytical methods in chemistry
2. Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny
3. Ceska a Slovenska farmacie : casopis Ceske farmaceuticke spolecnosti a Slovenske farmaceuticke spolecnosti

ACONITIC ACID

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Dr. Duke
2. Bollettino della Societa italiana di biologia sperimentale

CAMPESTEROL

1. Dr. Duke
2. Bollettino della Societa italiana di biologia sperimentale

FE

1. Journal of analytical methods in chemistry
2. Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny

Hydroxycinnamic Acids

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
2. Die Pharmazie

Isofucosterol

1. Dr. Duke
2. Bollettino della Societa italiana di biologia sperimentale

MN

1. Journal of analytical methods in chemistry
2. Ceska a Slovenska farmacie : casopis Ceske farmaceuticke spolecnosti a Slovenske farmaceuticke spolecnosti

Activities

Equisetum arvense has 618 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Cytotoxic.

Antioxidant

1. Dr. Duke
2. Materials science & engineering. C, Materials for biological applications
3. Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
4. International journal of environmental research and public health
5. Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke
2. Materials science & engineering. C, Materials for biological applications

Anticancer

1. Dr. Duke
2. Materials science & engineering. C, Materials for biological applications

Antidiabetic

1. Dr. Duke
2. Materials science & engineering. C, Materials for biological applications

Cytotoxic

1. Dr. Duke
2. Materials science & engineering. C, Materials for biological applications

Diuretic

1. Dr. Duke
2. Natural product research

11B-HSD-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

5-Lipoxygenase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

ACE-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

ANS-Paralytic

1. Dr. Duke

Conditions

Equisetum arvense has 19 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include oxidative stress, Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, anxiety, anxiolytic effect.

Oxidative stress

1. Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
2. Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences

Candida albicans

1. Folia medica

Streptococcus mutans

1. Folia medica

Anxiety

1. CNS drugs

Anxiolytic effect

1. Indian journal of experimental biology

Cancer

1. Materials science & engineering. C, Materials for biological applications

Cardiovascular diseases

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Chronic pain

1. Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)

Dermatitis

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations

Equisetum arvense has 17 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Extracts, PEA-Equisetum arvense formulation, alcoholic herbal extracts, aqueous extract, crude extract.

Extracts

1. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias

Pea-equisetum arvense formulation

1. Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)

Alcoholic herbal extracts

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Aqueous extract

1. Materials science & engineering. C, Materials for biological applications

Crude extract

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Dried

1. Preventive nutrition and food science

Dry extracts

1. Reproduction, nutrition, development

Ethanolic extract

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

Ethanolic extracts

1. International journal of environmental research and public health

Extracts

1. Urological research