Great Horsetail
Equisetum telmateia
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equisetum_telmateia
Overview
Equisetum telmateia, the great horsetail, is a species of Equisetum (horsetail) native to Europe, western Asia and northwest Africa. It was formerly widely treated in a broader sense including a subspecies in western North America, but this is now treated as a separate species, Equisetum braunii.
Great Horsetail faces severe population declines due to widespread habitat destruction and degradation of its specialized wetland environments. Urban development, agricultural expansion, and water management practices have dramatically reduced suitable habitat, while climate change threatens the consistent moisture conditions this species requires for survival.
Habitat
Great Horsetail inhabits permanently moist soils in wetlands, stream banks, ditches, seepage areas, and boggy ground, typically in partially shaded locations with consistent groundwater supply. The species requires calcium-rich, alkaline soils and is often found in fens, wet meadows, and along springs where water emerges from underground sources.
Other threatened species in Equisetaceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Great Horsetail classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Great Horsetail live?
What are the main threats to Great Horsetail?
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