Origin
Equisetum laevigatum A. Braun ssp. funstonii (A.A. Eat.) Hartman, commonly known as Funston's horsetail, is a species of the Equisetaceae family, native to North America, specifically in western North America where it can be found in western Montana, Idaho, eastern Washington, and Oregon.
Common names
Funston's horsetail is the primary common name for Equisetum laevigatum A. Braun ssp. funstonii (A.A. Eat.) Hartman. Other common names include smooth scouring rush, smooth horsetail, and giant scouring rush.
Uses
Equisetum laevigatum A. Braun ssp. funstonii (A.A. Eat.) Hartman has several uses. In the past, it was commonly used by Native American tribes for making tea for treating various ailments such as urinary tract infections and tuberculosis. It was also used to make baskets. Currently, it is used as an ornamental plant for landscaping and gardening purposes. It is commonly grown in wet or boggy areas and can be used to control soil erosion. Moreover, the plant contains high amounts of silica, which makes it an excellent polishing and scouring agent.
General appearance
Equisetum laevigatum A. Braun ssp. funstonii (A.A. Eat.) Hartman is a tall perennial plant that grows up to 1.5 meters in height. It has a slender, upright stem, with numerous small leaf-like structures arranged in whorls along the stem. The stem is brownish-green and can sometimes have a black color near the base. The plant reproduces with spores rather than seeds and is capable of spreading quickly through its rhizomes. Its stems are also hollow and ribbed.
Light Requirements
Equisetum laevigatum A. Braun ssp. funstonii prefers growing in full sun to partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
These plants prefer cool, moist conditions and can grow in temperatures ranging from 59-77 °F (15-25°C).
Soil Requirements
They thrive in damp, wet soil that is rich in organic matter. They prefer acidic soil with a pH range of 4.5-5.5.
Equisetum laevigatum can also grow in sandy or loamy soils and in wetlands or boggy habitats.
The soil should be well-drained and not waterlogged. They do not tolerate drought conditions.
Cultivation Methods for Equisetum Laevigatum A. Braun Ssp. Funstonii (A.A. Eat.) Hartman
Equisetum laevigatum A. Braun ssp. funstonii (A.A. Eat.) Hartman is a relatively hardy plant that can adapt to a range of growing conditions. It prefers partial to full shade and thrives when grown in moist, well-draining soil. These plants are relatively low maintenance, and their rapid growth means they can serve as a beautiful ground cover or even a living fence. Equisetum laevigatum A. Braun ssp. funstonii (A.A. Eat.) Hartman is best propagated through the division of existing plants.
Watering Needs for Equisetum Laevigatum A. Braun Ssp. Funstonii (A.A. Eat.) Hartman
Equisetum laevigatum A. Braun ssp. funstonii (A.A. Eat.) Hartman is a water-loving plant and should be watered deeply and regularly to keep the soil moist. In areas with high temperatures and low rainfall, additional watering may be necessary to prevent the soil from drying out. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other problems.
Fertilization for Equisetum Laevigatum A. Braun Ssp. Funstonii (A.A. Eat.) Hartman
Equisetum laevigatum A. Braun ssp. funstonii (A.A. Eat.) Hartman is not a heavy feeder and typically does not require fertilization. However, if the plant appears to be lacking in nutrients or growth has slowed, a slow-release, balanced fertilizer can be applied in the spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and weakness in the plant.
Pruning for Equisetum Laevigatum A. Braun Ssp. Funstonii (A.A. Eat.) Hartman
Equisetum laevigatum A. Braun ssp. funstonii (A.A. Eat.) Hartman does not require pruning to maintain its shape or health. However, if the plant becomes too large or spreads too aggressively, it can be trimmed back to control its growth. Use sharp, clean pruning shears and cut back to just above a node or branch junction. It's also essential to remove any brown or damaged stems during the growing season.
Propagation of Equisetum laevigatum A. Braun ssp. funstonii (A.A. Eat.) Hartman
Equisetum laevigatum A. Braun ssp. funstonii (A.A. Eat.) Hartman can be propagated in two ways: spore propagation and vegetative propagation.
Spore Propagation
Spore propagation involves collecting spores from the plant and sowing them in a suitable growing medium. This is the most common method of propagation for Equisetum species.
To collect spores, wait until the fertile stems of the plant turn brown. Cut off the stem and place it inside a paper bag. Leave the bag in a warm, dry place for a few days until the spores are fully ripe. Shake the bag to release the spores onto a sterile surface.
Prepare a suitable growing medium, such as a 50:50 mix of peat moss and sand. Sprinkle the spores over the surface of the medium and cover with a thin layer of sand. Mist the surface lightly and cover with plastic wrap to maintain humidity. Place the container in a warm, bright area but out of direct sunlight.
After a few weeks, the spores will germinate into small, thread-like structures known as prothalli. Once the prothalli are large enough to handle, gently transfer them to individual pots filled with the same growing medium. Keep the pots moist, but not waterlogged, and place them in a bright, humid location until the young plants are established.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves taking cuttings from the plant and rooting them to form new plants. This method is less common than spore propagation but can yield faster results.
To take cuttings, select a healthy, mature stem from the plant and cut it into sections with a sharp, sterilized knife. Each section should be approximately 10-15 cm long and have at least one node. Remove all but the topmost few leaves from each section.
Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder and plant them in a suitable growing medium, such as a 50:50 mix of peat moss and sand. Water the cuttings thoroughly and cover them with plastic wrap to maintain humidity. Place the container in a warm, bright area but out of direct sunlight.
After a few weeks, the cuttings will establish roots and begin to grow new foliage. At this stage, they can be gently transferred to individual pots filled with the same growing medium. Keep the pots moist, but not waterlogged, and place them in a bright, humid location until the young plants are established.
Disease Management
Some common diseases that can affect Equisetum laevigatum A. Braun ssp. funstonii (A.A. Eat.) Hartman are:
- Rust: This fungal disease causes orange-brown pustules on leaves and stems. It can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to other diseases and pests.
- Leaf spot: Caused by various fungi, this disease causes black or brown spots on leaves. It is more common in damp environments.
- Root rot: This disease can be caused by a variety of fungi and bacteria and leads to the decay of the roots. The plant might show wilting or yellowing leaves.
To manage these diseases, the following steps can be taken:
- Removing and destroying infected plant parts, including leaves and stems.
- Ensuring proper sanitation practices, especially when dealing with root rot. Sterilize tools and keep the area around the plant clean and dry.
- Applying fungicides and other chemicals to control the disease.
Pest Management
Some pests that can affect Equisetum laevigatum A. Braun ssp. funstonii (A.A. Eat.) Hartman are:
- Mites: These tiny arachnids can cause yellowing and curling of leaves. They commonly infest plants in hot and dry environments.
- Slugs and snails: These pests can chew on leaves and stems, leaving irregular holes. They are more common in humid environments.
- Caterpillars: The larvae of certain moths and butterflies can cause damage to leaves and stems, often chewing large holes.
To manage these pests, the following steps can be taken:
- Removing and destroying any visible pests, including eggs and larva.
- Keeping the area around the plant clean and free of debris, where slugs and snails often hide.
- Applying insecticides to control the pests. This should be done in a well-ventilated area and following manufacturer's instructions.
- Encouraging natural predators of these pests, such as birds and beneficial insects like ladybugs.
