Gateshead Birders

Flora

Field Horsetail


Equisetum arvense

Other names:

Sterile stems

Photo © Keith Robson
Kibblesworth Brickworks Pools - 18th April 2010

Stems to 80 cm tall, diameter c 3-5 mm.  Cones c 1-4 cm.

ID: Stems branched, usually without sub-branches, or if so not regular like Wood Horsetail.  Stem grooves less than 20.  Lowest internode of branches longer than stem sheath.  Branches not hollow, cross-shaped in cross section.  Teeth of branches spreading, or at least lax, and pale.

Other features: Very variable, sometimes prostrate.  Fertile stems brown, arising earlier than the sterile ones, not turning green but dying down after releasing spores.

 

 


 



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