dwarf scouring rush
Equisetum scirpoides
USDA zones4 to 10
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moist to wet soil
Size6 to 12 inches tall3 to 4 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Not applicable
- Foliage color
- Black
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Dwarf scouring rush (Equisetum scirpoides) is a grass for ground cover, shade gardens, woodland spots, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and moist to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. The thin black-green stems stay evergreen, so it adds winter interest. It grows 6 to 12 inches tall and spreads 35 to 47 inches, so give it room.
Pairs well with Royal fern, Wild ginger, and Swamp azalea.
Native range
AK, CT, IA, ID, and 26 more places. See all 30
AK, CT, IA, ID, IL, MA, ME, MI, MN, MT, ND, NH, NY, SD, VT, WA, WI, WY; AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, and YT.