the horsetail genus
Equisetum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
The horsetail genus, scientifically known as Equisetum, is a group of ancient, non-flowering vascular plants with a prehistoric lineage. Renowned for its high silica content, it has been utilized in traditional medicine for centuries to support bone health, skin integrity, and kidney function through its unique mineral properties.
- Family
- Equisetaceae
- Native range
- Europe
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Horsetail · Scouring-Rush · 2 more
- Scientific synonyms
- Allostelites · Hippochaete
Names and Synonyms
Common Names
- horsetail
- scouring-rush
- horsetails
- scouring-rushes
Scientific Names
Accepted name
EquisetumSynonyms
- Allostelites
- Hippochaete
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Cola de caballo
- Colas de caballo
- cola de caballo
German:
- Schachtelhalme
- Schachtelhalm
- Schachtelhalmartige
- Schachtelhalmgewächse
- Schachtelhalme
French:
- prêle
- Prêles
- Prèle
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Equisetidae, it falls under the order Equisetales and the family Equisetaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Equisetum.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Equisetidae |
| Order | Equisetales |
| Family | Equisetaceae |
| Genus | Equisetum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several regions in Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the natural landscapes of Denmark and Finland. Additionally, its distribution extends to the unique environments of the Føroyaar islands. The species is also well-documented throughout the territory of Great Britain. Finally, its geographical reach includes the rugged terrain of Iceland.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark |
| Northern Europe | Finland |
| Northern Europe | Føroyar |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain |
| Northern Europe | Iceland |
| Northern Europe | Ireland |
| Northern Europe | Norway |
| Northern Europe | Svalbard |
| Northern Europe | Sweden |
| Middle Europe | Austria |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Chemicals
Equisetum has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Al, As, CD, PB.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Al | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| As | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| CD | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| PB | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Al
- International journal of environmental research and public health
As
- International journal of environmental research and public health
CD
- International journal of environmental research and public health
PB
- International journal of environmental research and public health