Family: Equisetaceae
Author: Michx.
Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer., 2: 281, 281, 1803
Year: 1803
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Equisetum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Subarctic & Temp. Northern Hemisphere
Description
Dwarf scouringrush, scientifically named Equisetum scirpoides, is a fascinating perennial herb renowned for its unique and primitive structure. This plant, also known in some circles as the smallest member of the Horsetail family (Equisetaceae), plays a crucial role in the ecosystems of the subarctic and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Described by the renowned botanist André Michaux in 1803, Equisetum scirpoides holds historical significance and has been a subject of botanical study for over two centuries. Its notable resilience and adaptability allow it to thrive in a variety of environments, from moist woodlands and meadows to the edges of marshes and streams. This adaptability also highlights its importance in maintaining soil structure and preventing erosion.
The morphology of the dwarf scouringrush is particularly striking. It features slender, hollow stems that are typically jointed and ribbed, much akin to the earlier vascular plants from which it descended. The stems of Equisetum scirpoides grow in dense clumps and can reach modest heights, often no more than 20 centimeters. Unlike most plants, it lacks true leaves and flowers, relying instead on spores for reproduction, which are borne on cone-like structures at the tips of the stems.
Not only does Equisetum scirpoides contribute to its natural habitat, but it also boasts a rich cultural heritage. Historically, its rough, silica-rich stems were utilized by Indigenous peoples and early settlers for scouring and polishing due to their abrasive properties, hence the common name “scouringrush.” This practical use underscores the plant’s utilitarian value alongside its ecological significance.
In modern times, the dwarf scouringrush is appreciated by botanists and nature enthusiasts alike for its distinctive appearance and resilient nature. Its presence in an area often indicates healthy, undisturbed wetlands and provides shelter for small aquatic organisms. Gardners and landscapers sometimes use it to add an interesting texture and a touch of ancient botanical lineage to water gardens and naturalized areas.
In summary, Equisetum scirpoides or dwarf scouringrush is a plant of considerable interest both scientifically and historically. Its contribution to biodiversity, ecological health, and even its historical uses for cleaning and polishing, render it a subject worthy of greater appreciation and ongoing study.
Common Names
Dan: dværg-padderok, tråd-padderok
Eng: dwarf scouringrush, delicate horsetail, dwarf scouring-rush, dwarf horsetail, sedge horsetail, sedge-like horsetail
Nob: dvergsnelle
Nno: dvergsnelle
Swe: hentokorte, trådfräken
Fin: hentokorte
Lav: meldru kosa
Fra: prêle faux-scirpe, prêle faux scirpe, prêle scirpoïde
Nld: dwergholpijp
Sme: seakkagorddet, álássuoidni
En: Dwarf scouringrush, Dwarf Horsetail, Sedge horsetail, Dwarf Scouring-Rush, Delicate Horsetail, Dwarf scouring rush, Sedgelike horsetail, Sedge-like horsetail
Bg: Тръстиков хвощ
Zh: 蔺木贼
Da: Dværg-padderok, Tråd-padderok
Nl: Dwergholpijp
Et: Alssosi
Fi: Hentokorte
Fr: Prêle faux scirpe, Prêle faux-scirpe, Prêle scirpoïde
De: Binsenförmiger Schachtelhalm, Least scouring rush, Least scouringrush, Zwerg-Schachtelhalm, Zwergschachtelhalm, Nordamerikanischer Schachtelhalm
Lv: Meldru kosa
Se: Seakkagorddet, Álássuoidni
Nb: Dvergsnelle
Nn: Dvergsnelle
Ru: Хвощ камышовый
Sv: Trådfräken, Hentokorte
Synonyms
- Equisetum scirpoides var. elatum (Rosend.)
- Equisetum scirpoides var. minus (G.Lawson)
- Hippochaete scirpoides ((Michx.) Farw.)
- Equisetum reptans var. concolor (Hartm.)
- Equisetum scirpoides var. pedunculatum (Rosend.)
- Equisetum tenellum ((Lilj.) Krok)
- Equisetum variegatum var. reptans ((Wahlenb.) Hartm.)
- Equisetum variegatum var. alpinum (Kom.)
- Equisetum reptans (Wahlenb.)
- Equisetum scirpoides var. alpestre (Rosend.)
- Equisetum scirpoides var. ramulosum (Rosend.)
- Equisetum scirpoides var. caespitosum (Rosend.)
- Equisetum hyemale var. tenellum (Lilj.)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Altay (native)
- Amur (native)
- Baltic States (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- Buryatiya (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- Chita (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- Finland (native)
- Greenland (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Inner Mongolia (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Irkutsk (native)
- Japan (native)
- Kamchatka (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Khabarovsk (native)
- Korea (native)
- Krasnoyarsk (native)
- Labrador (native)
- Magadan (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mongolia (native)
- Montana (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New York (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- North European Russi (native)
- Northwest Territorie (native)
- Norway (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Nunavut (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Primorye (native)
- Prince Edward I. (native)
- Québec (native)
- Sakhalin (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Svalbard (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Tuva (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Washington (native)
- West Siberia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Xinjiang (native)
- Yakutskiya (native)
- Yukon (native)
- Belgium (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken May 17, 2020 by Manon Skrypczuk (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 26, 2020 by Melissa Berckmans (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 13, 2021 by Annette L. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2020 by Marilyse Goulet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 18, 2020 by alessadro brign (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 1, 2015 by EOL − Aarongunnar (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 10, 2015 by EOL − Kent McFarland (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 15, 2016 by EOL − Sarah Carline (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 21, 2015 by EOL − canadianmaple (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 12, 2015 by EOL − Erika Mitchell (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken Sep 19, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2021 by Nanny Goat kid (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 21, 2015 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2687948)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:93018-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Equisetum scirpoides Michx.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb