Appearance
"Equisetum hyemale" has vertical jointed reed-like stalks of medium to dark green. The hollow stems are up to 3 feet in height. The stems are not branched with conspicuous ridges, impregnated with silica which makes them feel rough and harsh.The tiny leaves are joined together around the stem, forming a narrow black-green band or sheath at each joint. Like other ferns and their relatives, the plant reproduces by spores and does not produce flowers or seeds.
The stems are generally deciduous in cold climates, and remain during winter in warmer climates. It forms dense spreading colonies, in full to partial sun.
;Subspecies
⤷ "Equisetum hyemale" subsp. "affine" — endemic to North America.
Distribution
In nature "Equisetum hyemale" grows in mesic habitats, often in sandy or gravelly areas. It grows from between sea level to 2,530 metres in elevation.It is primarily found in wetlands, and in riparian zones of rivers and streams where it can withstand seasonal flooding. It is also found around springs and seeps, and can indicate their presence when not flowing. Other habitats include moist forest and woodland openings, lake and pond shores, ditches, and marshes and swamps.
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