Equisetum hyemale - Dutch Rush

Family:	Equisetaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1
Synonyms:
Range:	Temperate regions of Europe, including Britain, N. America and Asia.

Equisetum hyemale (Dutch Rush) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1m . It has a hardness rating of 5.
the seeds ripen from January to February
The flowers from this plant are and they are pollinated by

Soil Information

Dutch Rush will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Dutch Rush prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Dutch Rush can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Shady streambanks.

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Can be planted in Cultivated Beds
• A bog garden plant

Cultivation Details

Prefers a moist soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5[200]. Plants are hardy to about -30°c[200]. The stems of this species were once exported to Britain in quantity from Holland so that they could be used as an abrasive for cleaning pots and pans[238]. Plants have a deep and penetrating root system and can be invasive. If grown in the garden they are best kept in bounds by planting them in a large container which can be sunk into the ground[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 2/5
Strobil (the fertile shoots in spring) - cooked[177]. An asparagus substitute. Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Roots - dried and then cooked[257]. A source of starch[177]. Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. A further report says that the peeled stems, base of the plant, root and tubers were eaten raw by the N. American Indians, the report went on to say that this may be inadvisable[85].

• Root - includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
• Stem - this often intergrades into leaves.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 2/5
Horsetails have an unusual chemistry compared to most other plants[238]. They are rich in silica, contain several alkaloids (including nicotine) and various minerals[238, 279]. The plant is anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, haemostatic, hypotensive and styptic[147, 176. 218, 279]. It also has an appetite-stimulating effect[279]]. The barren stems are used, they are most active when fresh but can also be dried and sometimes the ashes of the pant are used[4]. The plant is a useful diuretic when taken internally and is used in the treatment of kidney and bladder problems[4]. A decoction applied externally will stop the bleeding of wounds and promote healing[4]. The plant contains polyphenolic flavonoids with bactericidal activity[218].

• Antibacterial - Kills bacteria.
• Antiinflammatory - Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.
• Antispasmodic - Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
• Appetizer - Improves the appetite
• Cancer - Used in the treatment of cancer.
• Diaphoretic - Induces perspiration.
• Diuretic - Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
• Expectorant - Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
• Febrifuge - Reduces fevers.
• Hypotensive - Reduces blood pressure, it is used in the treatment of high blood pressure
• Styptic - An astringent that stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels.

Propagation

Spores - best collected as soon as they are ripe in the spring and surface-sown immediately on a sterile compost. Keep moist and pot up as soon as the plants are large enough to handle. Very difficult[200]. Division. The plants usually spread very freely when well sited and should not really need any assistance.

Known Hazards

Large quantities of the plant can be toxic. This is because it contains the enzyme thiaminase[172], a substance that can rob the body of the vitamin B complex[65]. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase[172]. The plant also contains equisetic acid - see the notes on medicinal uses for more information[213].

Other Uses

The stems are very rich in silica[4]. They are used for scouring and polishing metal[1, 4, 46, 61, 99] and as a fine sandpaper[54, 99]. The stems are first bleached by repeated wetting and drying in the sun[74]. They can also be used as a polish for wooden floors and furniture[46, 178]. The infused stem is an effective fungicide against mildew, mint rust and blackspot on roses[14]. It also makes a good liquid feed[54]. Used as a hair rinse it can eliminate fleas, lice and mites[213, 257]. A light pink dye is obtained from the stem[99]. The hollow stems have been used as whistles[257]. Another report says that the stem joints are pulled apart and used by children to produce a whistling sound[257].

• Dye - Plants that provide dyes.
• Fungicide - Arrests the growth of, or kills, fungi.
• Liquid feed - Plants that can be used to make a liquid fertilizer.
• Musical - Specific mention of plants used as musical instruments. Does not include the various woods that can be used for making musical instruments.
• Paper - Related to the entry for Fibre, these plants have been specifically mentioned for paper making.
• Parasiticide - Kills external body parasites such as hair lice.
• Polish - Plants used to give a shine to metals, wood etc.
• Sandpaper - Plants used to smooth rough wooden surfaces by means of abrasion.
• Scourer - Used for cleaning pots, pans, plates etc.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956
F. Chittendon.
Author: F. Chittendon.
Rating:
Publisher : Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).
Date of Publication : 1951

Flora of the British Isles.
Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Author: Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Rating:
Publisher : A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures.
Date of Publication : 1962

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